Fish

Charcoal and pastels on paper.

Once again, another fish piece. This was an expressive or “emotional” work, an introspective exercise working on what exactly the symbols really mean to me. These round, nebulous fish shapes are like my totems. They’re not real fish, of course, just as this is not a real river, and when one kayaks on a real river one does not see the fish and the water above and below. But, rather, I wanted to use them as a signifier for freedom. The lone kayaker is heading toward them. There is something very pure about solo outdoors adventures, and the way nature seems to wrap itself around everything. It can be eerie and overwhelming, but also exciting. The kayak is especially useful because a single-seat kayak ensures your solo status.