Saltwater Hues, a beautifully illustrated publication by scientist and artist Skyla Thornton, published by the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa was recently launched at Stellenbosch University on 18 May 2026.
Guests were welcomed by a display of Skyla’s oceanic artworks, while delicious snacks and conversation created a warm and vibrant atmosphere. The evening officially opened with an introduction by Ria Olivier on behalf of the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA). This was followed by an engaging conversation between Skyla and journalist Tiaan Booyens(image below), who explored the inspiration behind the book.
During the discussion, Skyla reflected on both the scientific and personal aspects of her journey to Antarctica. As a geoscientist, her research focused on collecting seawater samples from the Southern Ocean to measure the concentration of trace metals, such as iron, and conducting experiments to observe how phytoplankton responded to them. She described Antarctica as a unique natural laboratory, offering valuable insight into global climate systems.
Alongside the science, Skyla spoke about the emotional experience of living for two months aboard the S.A. Agulhas II. It was a gift to be outside the familiar university walls and to witness firsthand the striking, tranquil beauty of the Antarctic landscape, from drifting icebergs to vast ice shelves. Encounters with wildlife were also beyond anything she had expected; they cannot be compared to watching nature documentaries on TV! She added that scientific research can often feel abstract and disconnected from the environments where samples are collected, making the opportunity of being there in person especially meaningful.
But as Skyla expressed, the journey was not without its challenges. The ship became its own small population, isolated from everyday life, where the intensity of living and working so closely together could feel overwhelming sometimes. After returning home, she jumped straight back into work without giving herself the time to process certain emotions which the trip had brought up. As she explained:
“It was not all sunshine and sparkles, there were definitely some difficult times. I had to deal with parts of myself I didn’t know I had before.”
By painting ocean scenes based on photographs from the expedition, Skyla was able to reflect on the memories that kept resurfacing. This therapeutic work eventually led to the creation of her book, Saltwater Hues. Writing the book, alongside revisiting the journal she kept throughout the journey, became another way of processing the emotions.
The conversation also explored the deeper inspiration behind the book’s title and artwork. Remaining shipbound for the entire expedition meant that water became Skyla’s constant frame of reference. Although she felt privileged, she admitted feeling a sense of sadness at never setting foot on the iceshelf while others were airlifted there for work or sightseeing. She later began experimenting with watercolour painting using the Antarctic seawater she had gathered, transforming scientific material into artistic expression. This became an “ode to Antarctica,” a way of giving something back to the place that had shaped her experience. Her book’s original title “Ode to the Shades of Blue” emerged from this, but it eventually evolved into the simpler Saltwater Hues.
The interview went on to ask why people should value Antarctica. Skyla said, “You care about Antarctica just because it’s there,” echoing a sentiment often used to describe the appeal of climbing remote mountains. Beyond this sense of presence and wonder, Antarctica plays a vital role in global climate systems, ocean circulation, and ecosystems that sustain fisheries around the world. This has also fuelled growing discussion around Antarctic rights – a movement advocating for the continent and the surrounding Southern Ocean to be recognised as having legal personhood and inherent protections, helping safeguard it and its wildlife from harm. For those who have not experienced the far South firsthand, she suggests that photographs and books such as Saltwater Hues offer a way into that world, and a reminder of why it matters.
The evening concluded with questions from the audience, book signings, and the opportunity to purchase artwork featured throughout Saltwater Hues. The launch celebrated not only a publication, but also the intersection of science, storytelling, and art in helping people connect more deeply with Antarctica. (Above: Prof Guy Midgley, Skyl Thornton, Prof Sibusiso Moyo and Ria Olivier)
Reflecting on what comes next, Skyla shared an honest sense of uncertainty and curiosity about the future. “Like most 24-year-olds, I don’t really know what’s happening in my life,” she said. “But I’m really curious. I’ve had the chance to do hardcore science, journalism, and something more artistic. I do want to do my master’s, and I would like to write more books, fiction, and contribute more to science writing and illustration. The roads are wide open!”
*Blogpost compiled by Dana Jellin. Photo credit: Dana Jellin
Read more about Skyla and her journey on her blog
If you want to obtain a copy, contact riaolivier@sun.ac.za
A huge thank you to Brent Johnson of BidvestData in getting this publication done in a narrow timeframe, the Department of Botany and Zoology, Prof Matthee and personnel and our Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Prof Moyo for her support. Thank you to Stoke Cafe for complementing our evening with snacks.