A Fish Tale

A while back, one of the Art Challenges I've been doing required a piece about nature.  Even though I'd already done a fish themed piece, I decided to do another.  

The piece I had in mind was actually an idea that's floated about for a couple of years.  I've been wanting to do something for my friend Adam (husband of BFF Michele), who is an avid fisherman of the "throw it back" variety.  He loves to fish for the meditative and calming aspects of it.

So after finding where I'd stashed the nature/fish materials I'd gathered (stored, of course, in a safe place that couldn't be found easily), I started with an odd green banana paper sheet that I glued to a 6'x8' inch canvas.  (and why I bought this size I'll never know - it doesn't fit well into a frame)

I didn't want to leave the edges uncovered so I wrapped the paper around and glued the sheet to the back.  For once it actually worked neatly rather than me having to finagle about.

I had saved various scrapbook papers over the years for this project including some cool Australian nature paper from a mystery box I bought from Frantic Stamper.  I keep meaning to go back to this shop and spend money.  

  I had a vintage postcard showing a young man with his catch so I added that.

Then I decided to add Victorian scrap fish of different kinds to the collage, to create more interest (maybe I overdid it but I like them), and Voila!

What I didn't add, but could have, were plastic toy fish that I had bought from a neat shop in Providence, Rhode Island, called Shades Plus.  Yes, they sell sunglasses but most of their business is from the odds and ends of toys, decals, stickers, etc that they have tons of.  I hope the shop never closes.  It's been around for almost 25 years on Thayer Street. 

I will add these to something or other someday.  

The piece was met with approval by the Art Challenge crowd.  I hope you like it too.  Feel free to share any fish tales in the comments section.  

later,
lin