www.artinsteel.co.uk - Sculptures Fish Anatomical

This is a new development in my work on fishes. Moving on from the larger more stylised fishes that I have been making as garden sculptures I wanted to have look at anatomy and detail and make pieces of art on a smaller scale to live indoors. I also wanted to indulge my love of detail and fine scale work. These are made in small copper plated steel bars and brazed together to use the contrasting natural colours of copper, steel and brass to highlight the features of the subjects.

The first of these is a personal favourite of mine, Melanocetus Johsoni otherwise know as The Common Black Devil. One of the deepsea anglerfish found at around 5000 feet in The Atlantic Ocean. A very fierce looking creature able to swallow prey larger than itself. It uses the small appendage on it's head as a lure to attract it's prey. This sculpture is of a mature female. Luckily they only grow up about 5 inches long. The sculpture has been scaled up 93x50cm (36x19")

angler fish sculpture

jaws

I have also included a detail shot of the jaws to highlight the contrast between the brass and steel and to show the smooth lines that can be achieved using brazing as a construction technique. This piece might be for sale, I made it for myself, (a rare event) but I can make a repilca for £200.

The next piece in this series is a representation of a Pacific Cod inspired by mark Kurlansky's excellent book 'Cod an autobiography of the fish that changed the world'* he is again made from fine steel rods hand brazed together. He measures in at 39x16". At present he is unmounted but I can mount him on a board for a small extra charge, please contact me to discuss your needs. This piece is for sale at £150.00

cod sculpture

John Dory also known as The St Peter Fish, from the bible story where St peter pulled a fish out of the Red Sea with gold pieces in it's mouth, the large spot on it's side is said to be left by his thumb. It is made out of small pieces of steel brazed together with the details applied in brass, measuring in at 60x60cm (24"x24") he would make a great addition to the interior of a sea food or kitchen. This is the first in a series I am planning on a smaller and more detailed scale looking at the scalier and spikier denizens of the deep. Sold 20/12/06 at £150.00.

indoor sculpture

Being a new style of work this is an area of work that I am keen to develop if anybody has any particular species of fish that they would like to see made in this style please get in touch. Examples I can think of include for the successful or unsuccessful angler, fish keepers and of course seafood restaurants.

* Mark Kurlansky's book Cod. A great read covering Cod and it's role in history and it's cuisine. A great book for both people with an interest in food or an interest in history. It is also of course the story a great a tragedy both environmental and human. Highly reccomended.

Contact artinsteel@tiscali.co.uk