When art and science meet, the result is often amazing. Such is the case with marine biologist and artist, Michelle Formiglio, of Atlantic Impressions, who collects, identifies and preserves seaweed from Narragansett Bay to create her art. While sharing her knowledge and deep-seated attachment to the beauty of animal life, caring for her baby, and wanting to supplement her income, she took the plunge and entered her first craft show. However, it was the second show, which happened to be Small Business Saturday Shop RI’s (SBSShopRI) first event, that brought encouraging reactions and outstanding sales. Along with these rewards was the idea that this may be worthwhile small business venture.

Her efforts were not the result of a casual walk on the beach, so to speak. Undergraduate days spent collecting and studying specimens throughout New England and a semester in Hawaii while at the University of Rhode Island also uncovered her love of teaching. A graduate degree in biology and education resulted in positions at several local colleges and universities. Currently, she is a part-time professor of biology and anatomy at the Community College of RI (CCRI).

When asked what inspired the art, Michelle responds, “I’ve always loved the movement you find in the ocean…not just waves, but the way the animals swim, the way the light dances through it, and the way the seaweed sways.” Adding to that perspective she continues, “as a scuba diver, I have a deep appreciation for the detail of the underwater world.”

Even her approach to processing the seaweed is almost poetic. “As I am collecting and pressing the seaweed, I am keeping this movement in mind the entire time. As I arrange it on paper, I actually pour water on it to help capture the way it looks in nature.”

How that actually developed from a hobby to a business speaks to the ebb and flow of life, on land as well as at sea. “I rediscovered my love for pressing when I came upon an old herbarium I had made when I was an at URI. It was amazing to see how, 20 years later, the specimens were still intact and beautiful,” according to Michelle.

That discovery happened while significant changes were happening in her life, having resigned from a full-time teaching position to become a part-time adjunct worker in order to stay home with her son, Hunter, who is now four. After resigning, she wanted to supplement the family income, but also needed to find an outlet for relaxation.

Each step in the process is as delicate as the live material she uses in her craft. “It’s not chunky, but thin and wispy. I use a brush and tweezers.” Changing the water-absorbing paper takes two weeks, as the fragile items are pressed on watercolor paper or on wood. “Just prepping a batch takes six hours,” she comments, noting the importance of keeping the seaweed’s structure.

Sold as carefully selected and placed in frames chosen to accent the seaweed’s beauty, or at times, unframed, each is identified by its scientific name, and labeled with collection date and location. The marks of a scientist are as clear as the signature of the artist on each piece.

Preparing the seaweed and producing an artistic finished piece is a labor of love, albeit time-consuming, and hopefully, relaxing. For now, she plans to continue participating in shows, which means not only collecting and producing the material, but also curating and carefully preparing, transporting and setting up a collection for each show’s display. Typically, fifty pieces are displayed at each show. Beyond the day’s sales, customers often place orders, including special requests based on the articles on display.

“I was terrified of rejection while anticipating the first show, even though it was local,” she recalls, noting that the sales were terrible. “One piece sold at half its suggested price,” she notes, “but also, the attendance was poor.”

Her next business endeavor, SBSShopRI, renewed her courage. “I could not believe the positive feedback and sales. The woman across from my booth became my cheerleader and friend, and that show became the start of this awesome journey. I will be grateful to do this show every year that it is held.” Now in its third year, the event has recorded nearly thirty percent of their vendors returning.

Success for Michelle has opened the doors to six new retail locations, from Tiverton, RI to Mystic Connecticut, with two of the stores also offering online sales. From eclectic collections of home goods and fossils to salvage items and various crafts, she admits that not all of the stores work well. Currently, she does not sell online, but she is seriously considering this as a strong opportunity for growth.