"I Saw One In A River Once"

 "I Saw One In a River Once"● 

Wikipedia.defines a double entendre (French pronunciation: [dublɑ̃tɑ̃dʁə]) as a figure of speech in which a spoken phrase is devised to be understood in either of two ways. Often the first (more obvious) meaning is straightforward, while the second meaning is less so: often risqué or ironic.

In this case, the double entendre is in the title.  It may signify that we saw a "fish" in a river, or that we saw the accumulation of "flotsam and jetsam" on the fish in a river . . . Either way, it is a compelling reflection, albeit, sad in many ways. . . .  Ironic?

For this earlier piece, a wooden fish was first painted with acrylic paints and then the entire surface is embellished with found objects, including buttons, watches, jewelry, bottle caps, and small plastic toys. Four wooden drawer pulls are his feet, and a vintage brass drawer handle is installed on top as a carrier.  (click on any image to enlarge) IN PRIVATE COLLECTION  9909

"Obligations"

"Obligations"●

   This is the third fish is a series of 3 created in the same style.  The first, "I Saw One In A River Once", the second, "Some Sort Of Sacrifice" (both can be seen on this blog) . All are made in the style of the early 'memory jars' that were popular in the 1800's. Memory jars, or jugs or bowls were made by first covering the vessel in mortar and then attaching small everyday objects such as keys, shells, coins and other personal momentos belonging to someone who had deceased.
   This one is called "Obligations", and it speaks of happy times and hard times and all the times that are our life.  In my interpretation I have taken a wooden fish, applied a coat of acrylic paint and covered it with hundreds of small vintage keepsakes. These include watch parts, crackerjack prizes, vintage jewelry, campaign buttons, coins, screws, bottle caps, and many other old found objects. On top, I added a cork screw to double as a handle to make it easy to carry. (click on picture to enlarge)

"Some Sort of Sacrifice"

"Some Sort of Sacrifice . . ."●
This is the second in a series of three. The first was titled "I Saw One in a River Once" and both pieces remind me of the beauty we see in our rivers, streams, lakes and oceans all over the world. Somehow, even through our most valiant efforts, we (humans) seem to be spoiling even this final frontier. Pollution, waste, oil spills . . . all contributing to our own demise. Wooden fish embellished with found items. (click on any image to enlarge)