A One-of-a-Kind Collaboration: Dean Loucks x Mote SEA

Mote Marine Laboratory is proud to unveil a custom 48”x60” masterpiece commissioned exclusively for the new Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA), created and donated by world-renowned artist Dean Loucks of The Art of Design. Loucks brings over four decades of artistic innovation and a deep personal passion for the ocean.

Dean describes the creation of this painting as a very spiritual process. With his “Wonderful Nancy” by his side, he embraced the journey of pouring four months of life and creativity into a work that celebrates both art and science. The composition integrates the Fibonacci Spiral, beginning at the heart of the new Mote SEA building and flowing outward—sweeping through clouds, ocean floor, a gentle manatee, and curving into the flipper of a graceful sea turtle. Within this geometric and symbolic design, Dean wove hidden meanings: three clownfish representing children and joy, six blue tangs symbolizing everyday life, and nine angelfish watching over Mote’s mission to save the oceans, echoing Nikola Tesla’s belief that “3-6-9” holds the key to the universe.

The piece also reflects Loucks’ long-standing love for marine life, including his acclaimed series on sea turtles. From the vibrant reef fish to flourishing coral, every detail honors the species Mote studies and protects while weaving Mote SEA seamlessly into the marine landscape.

This unique collaboration is more than just a painting—it is a tribute to the beauty and resilience of marine life, an expression of gratitude, and an inspiring call to protect the oceans that connect us all. As Dean says, “I’m very blessed to have this opportunity as an artist to create and donate something so meaningful to Mote Aquarium for the grand opening event.”