Object: One
fish two fish Gifted
Materials: Vitreous
tile, Travertine, Tempered Glass and Glass Beads
Dimensions: 16"
x 20"
Method: Direct
with mortar on mesh
This
project is a token of appreciation for a small yet significant
kindness given to me. Offering something in return to convey
my gratitude properly, meant it needed to represent something
close to the heart.
From
employees and family of my unsuspecting “client”,
I received the unanimous hint that trips to the Florida
Keys and the adventures of catch-release Tarpon fishing
were not only special outings, but also provided respite
from a stressful profession. This appealed to me greatly,
since his gift had provided me with a peace of mind I had
long sought.
My
research on Tarpon provided endless amounts of images of
these beautiful fish that resembled nothing less than mirrors,
their enormous mouths wide as windsocks when hooked. While
above water, they are solitary figures, the focus of everyone’s attention
in the excitement of the catch.
The
views from below the surface, swimming in the cool crystal
waters, conveyed the feeling of serenity I sought. There
they swim in tight clusters with their comrades, sleek
as bullets, their mouths now elegantly folded. The rigid
and soft sections around their mouths create an intriguing
surface, a maze of lines giving you hints of the mechanics
beneath. I needed to stay up close to observe these detailed
patterns, but also wanted to pull back to in order to appreciate
their silhouette with the distinctive assortment fins.
My
personal fond memories of the Florida Keys became instrumental
in the selection of the materials used on this piece. Those
materials are not literal representations, but rather triggers
for my experiences in the Keys. The mirrored bodies of the
fish reflect the colors of the waters, from the brilliant
aqua of the surface to the rich blue of the mysterious
depths. The light travertine reminded me of the corals
and bleached white of all that surrounds you. The transparent
glass conjures sparkling waters, the refreshing icy spray
in the heat of the day.
“One fish two fish” was truly an evolution rather than a plan. It was such
a pleasure to bring about, I might have to reflect some more again ... perhaps
in Red?
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