A Sea of Paint

About this piece

A brightly painted fish decoration fills the frame, its turquoise body, yellow flank, and red fins set against weathered white boards. The oblique close-up emphasizes its projecting mouth and textured surface, while smaller fish ornaments soften into the background. Light catches the worn paint and wood grain, balancing exuberant color with the quiet evidence of age.

The story

On this March day, a painted fish holds its mouth open against the white boards. Blue curves gather beneath a broad band of yellow, and red fins interrupt the pale wood like small flames. Scratches and cracks break the color into a surface the eye can almost feel. Beyond it, other fish recede along the green wall, a motionless school held together by paint and light.