| While I was still in "fish mode" ("fishy mood" ?) I decided to create some new plaster fish reliefs. I have been doing these for a number of years and they have been well received by our visitors at Saltwater Artists Gallery in New Harbor. I am still using the 2 wooden fish that I carved to make my first plaster fish reliefs. The process involves pressing these fish "stamps" into a slab of clay in an interesting pattern that creates a good composition. Often, as I did with these 2 |  Carved wooden fish "stamps" |
newest casts, I include some sort of sea "flora" to add depth and interest to the composition. After trimming the impressed clay slab to size, I enclose it in a wooden box frame and pour in a layer of casting plaster to a depth of about 1/2" . Once the casting has been removed, dried and cleaned up, I paint it with graphite gray acrylic paint. The relief surface is then rubbed with a soft paper towel to bring out the metallic quality of the paint. Finally, the relief is double- matted and framed.
 Plaster casting 6 1/4" x 6 1/4" |  Plaster casting 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" |
I have found I enjoy the challenge of arranging the fish in these relatively small spaces - adjusting the number of fish and each fish's position in relation to the others that I have included, creating the impression of a dialogue or story in this moment in time "under water". The smallest change of angle or spatial relationship can alter the viewers visual interpretation of the image. As I have often said before, I do enjoy a challenge. On to the next!
 "Passing the Word" 10" x 10" framed |  "Impromptu Congregation" 10"x13" framed |
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