Fish On!

Over the years I return to a motif: bone fish, dead fish, ghost fish

This painting was the first using drowning bone fish for subject matter. I really enjoy building up the background texture and color by layering drips, washes, and different studio sessions.

I spent a lot of time as a child in northern Wisconsin visiting cabins and lakes near Minocqua. My father liked to ice fish and my grandpa often fished off docks or by boat. As a child I was fascinated by the bones they tossed aside behind the garage after filleting the fish for dinner. The look in their blank eyes staring out: empty, helpless. Sometimes a mouth still sucking at the air, grasping for water. Nothing but ribs, tails, and heads. I guess that's how I first learned about death.

My fishing skills are about as good as my gambling skills. None. I should toss the pole in the water before getting in the boat. I don't gamble and I don't fish. Maybe that's why it feels like tossing my money in the waste basket outside the casino. I never catch anything other than a sun tan, a nap, or a hangover.

("Rat Fish," A collaborative piece)

Inspiration at the grocery store.

A few ol' fave sketches:

Until next time, as Primus would say, "Fish On."

Thanks for visiting.