‘Microcosm’ is an exploration of the geothermal landscapes of Yellowstone National Park where clues to the origin for life on earth exist. The bacteria that thrive in these environments and give the pools their colour are believed by scientists to be the first single cell organisms to exist on earth and from which all other more complex life evolved. Usually when we think of ourselves within the vast cosmos and our own origins we tend to look upwards towards the skies for answers. In Yellowstone and other parts of the world that have similar geothermal species we are looking down and next to us right at our feet. Within these micro environments are ecosystems within the larger ecosystem. These are landscapes that mimic the larger world with which we are more familiar. The juxtaposition lies not just in the landscape but also in our basic and still evolving understanding of these areas of the world that hold the key to the beginnings of life on earth.