Elizabeth Mini
"Ocean Delight"
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| (Photos by Patrick Fraser) |
Fishing was my favorite childhood pastime. I spent many happy times alongside my grandfather and uncles on the Bay Islands of Honduras. Casting nets to secure bait for the fishing party was a great part of the outing.
In choosing to interpret my project I recalled that what is known as “progress” is taking a toll on one of my wonderful childhood memories. Whaling and commercial fishing in our oceans is depleting our natural resources. Whales, sharks, dolphins and excess fish caught into nets are lost treasures. Contributing to the demise is the use of our oceans as garbage cans, especially the introduction of PLASTIC.
I used a technique of Japanese fiber artist Noriko Endo—in which fabric is cut into toothpick size pieces to create a background. I created my palate with colors of fabrics mimicking the colors of the ocean. I fussy cut fish, and fused them on top of the background canvas. I added threads of “seaweed texture” and plastic vegetable bags donated by my friends. Tulle was placed on top of the surface and I machine quilted the piece. I used beadwork to enhance the project.
I feel that doing our share to maintain a clean and safer ocean environment benefits future generations.