I was recently invited to participate in an event called Fish for the Arts sponsored by the Cultural Center of Cape Cod. If you're familiar with the outdoor exhibit from a few years back involving Cows that were painted/decorated by various artists and then auctioned off for charity, this is a similar concept. With Fish For the Arts, my challenge is to take a 3 foot fish and transform it using the medium of my choice.
After weeks of tripping over the enormous box containing the fish, I finally broke down and opened it. It was shocking to discover that inside the box was, in fact, not just a wooden cutout of a fish but a highly detailed, 3-D, painted replica, glass eye included, of a fish (forgive me for not knowing the exact kind). So I rested fishie on the countertop and let him reside there for a few days while I tried to figure out what the hell to do with him. The possibilities being endless (and overwhelming) coupled with my need to do something other than cut glass and solder, my brain was in overdrive and totally inspired. It was the perfect time to take on the "fish" challenge and since he's not officially due until June, for once, I'm not procrastinating.
My goal: To do something different and transformational but also connected to my style and work as a painter and stained glass artist. I'm not exactly sure when the idea hit me, but I decided to take inspiration from my stained glass projects and go from there. So without over thinking things, I chose a simple palette of blue and green (and copper for the fins).. and I just attacked that fish! As a finishing touch, I replaced the awful glass eye with one of my aqua pendants. Et voila! Here is the new Fishie ready for Fish For the Arts!
(click on image to see larger view)
The FISH will be on display at various locations throughout the Cape.. details to follow.
