Top: This came out very well. I particularly enjoyed working out the stylized water splash behind the fish. The mouth, representing one of those aspects along with the eye that can ruin a wildlife piece, succeeded. The depth separation between the fish’s head/mouth and lowest background level is spot on. The twist in the fish’s tail came out well. I like the fact that some of the body is out of the frame. Getting the twist to work right on the edge of the piece and the consequent lack of ‘depth’ was tricky, requiring as close to perfect reflective angles as possible: I figure it’s 95% dead on. The various surface textures worked out well: the really harsh surface treatment on the lowest background level is new and effective, but the additional layer of linear dots on the water splash is what really makes the piece. The fish itself is wonderful; the head makes me completely happy. The fish’s body worked out very well. Getting the sense of scales is the hardest part as the body itself is essentially nothing more than curves with no detail other than the fins.
Bottom: I returned to the surprise factor on this box. After viewing the fish scene turning the box over and being confronted with such a modern Tantric design is a surprise. The three ‘feet’ are very closely set, serving to lift the box higher up. One result of this is the ability of the viewer to see what is being reflected by the lower half of the side’s curve: a very nice effect, one I will look into more. The surface textures on the separate design components are strong, working well together and aesthetically pleasing.
Side: Sometimes simple is best.
Overall: I am very very pleased with this box. I am seeing a progression in the sculptural qualities of my work. Or it might better be said that I am beginning to approach each piece as a sculptural challenge. Developing stronger surface finishes and continuing perfection and utilization of depth and design element levels are all a part of this newer ability. The fish box does represent a certain culmination in the application of multiple abilities. There are pieces that one literally could not have made a year ago: this box top is one of those pieces for me. Consequently this box pleases me with both its artistic impact and its execution .