A surreal dive into Florida’s dying freshwater springs—through the lens of performance, costume, and collaboration. Art as ecological witness.

In my previous story, The Shape of Water, I showcased some of the most incredible images I’ve been part of creating—some of which were captured in the pristine, crystal-clear waters of the Florida Springs. But now, the Florida Springs are choking.

This story is woven in both word and image. Visual collaborators featured in the full Substack story include:

"The Costumes"-Hannah Mermaid as a retro suburban housewife in a gas mask. Photo by Brett Stanley

“The Algae Queen: Draped in a Disappearing World”-Hannah as a kind of oracle—half spirit, half warning. Photo by Brett Stanley.

"A Tragic Tally"-Tessa Skiles compiled a list of springs that have already been lost. It's heartbreakingly long, including: Wakulla Spring,Poe Spring, Devils Eye Spring, Ichetucknee, Sulphur Spring, Convict Spring…and so many more.

Thank you to this extraordinary creative team for their collaboration, vision, and dedication to storytelling through imagery and art:

✨ Model & Ocean Activist: @hannahmermaid
✨ Photographer: @brettstanleyphoto
✨ Conservation Storyteller: @tessaskiles

Please follow their work—these are the artists bringing underwater truths to the surface.

If this glimpse speaks to you, the full reflection is on Substack:  Beneath the Surface: The Death of the Florida Springs