The question the lady asked was actually “why do you paint sweater fish” since my earliest paintings started with the insulated piscine species. It was a question deserving a carefully considered answer, but unfortunately the only response that came to mind was a pat “because they’re cold water fish”. A lame rim shot at best, and only a little bit better than “why not?” So here’s my attempt give a proper answer…if only to fill up this post with something.

There is something about a visual pun that translates so well — perhaps because the tradition isn’t far removed from the traditional clown nose and shoes.

Most of my art reflects an attraction to the improbable, incongruous, and/or unexpected There is something about a visual pun that translates so well — perhaps because the tradition isn’t far removed from the traditional clown nose and shoes. And in this simplicity, viewers hopefully have a chance to experience a little mirth. So how does any of that translate to sweaters?

If only I could say my ideas were inspired by a trendy movement like yarn bombing (“bombing” — a slightly violent term for the almost completely innocuous act that would at worst slightly annoy but at best make you smile), but it’s more likely the illustrations for Peter Rabbit and Babaar  were the concept’s true origin.

Since exploring contrasts is my main goal, water-logged sweaters seemed to be an excellent textile choice for a hydrophilic animal. Perhaps the influence was by a universal comedic prop since a google search reveals more than one artist rendering sweater covered animals (reference Belcher’s Sweater Cat, for example). So, in way too many words,  “I don’t know” would be the answer. Except by sharing a sense of humor, the viewer might have a better day 🙂