Wilmington [NC] is bursting with talented and innovative artists. Alexandra Morse, 27, is adding her own unique spice to the artistic pot. Her multimedia creations are deeply inspired by the ocean and overflowing with vibrant colors, textures and imagination.

Born in Laguna Beach, Calif., Morse came to Wilmington, home to the majority of her family, when she was 3 years old. Morse graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a degree in Spanish. Morse spent a year in Spain, where she took a course in art history and was able to soak up the Spanish love of art and culture firsthand.

Morse’s fascination with the world beneath the waves has always been clearly reflected in her larger-than-life, multi-dimensional paintings. She often incorporates bits of shells, bones, papier-mache and the occasional fish skeleton into her 3D work.

“I even taxidermy lobsters I have caught by hand to use within my paintings,” Morse said.