This piece is a further evolution of the form set forth in Three Piece Fish. Far from the elemental three-piece form of the first work, this sculpture is comprised of approximately 200 individual stainless steel rods that are silver-soldered to form the intricate pattern and texture of the tail. The essential form is evident despite so many more parts.
As an evolutionary prank, I wanted this creature’s tail to mimic another fish to serve as a defense mechanism against predators. Perhaps the colorful tail, after loss in an attack, could regenerate itself (not unlike some reptilian appendages) in the process of autotomy. Yet another step in the evolution of the form.
As to the sculpting process, after soldering the stainless steel rods to make the tail, the nose and body outline were attached. Then the sculpture was mounted at a single point by soldering it to a heavy brass base plate. Metal dye coatings, blue and orange, were added to the tail and body for ornamentation and color to highlight the “fish” image in the tail.
Striped Tail Bottlenose Fish,
5 x 17 x 22, dyed stainless steel and brass on walnut base (9/2015)
tcmsculptures
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