Bait Fish

"This piece depicts an assembly of fish often used as bait. The painting combines two different types of fishes: the simple sardine and the abundant anchovy. This work is a sibling painting to Surges which was created before Bait Fish. They both share the theme of “inwards looking out” although the concepts are very different. Bait Fish looks at the relationship between actual and perceived value. The fish are displayed in a row facing in the same direction. Given their abundance and traditional use as bait, the value of sardines and anchovies is easily overlooked. They are timid and not particularly vibrant. However, despite their small size anchovies and sardines have a big ecological impact. They are responsible for the sustainability of most aquatic wildlife as well as our own." ~ Mae Waite This piece was created large-scale so that viewers can appreciate the wonderful vibrancy that the fishes portray both physically and conceptually. Dramatic original Ink and Watercolor painting