Hand drawn West Oz Fish on hand caught West Oz Fish Skins.
A unique & sustainable mixed media art form combining cured fish skins, markers, paint pens, brushwork, recycled timber & resin.
Making the fishing experience even more memorable, while minimising the waste! Let the fish live on forever.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN...
Fish on Fish Skins started back in Beagle Bay in 2016, in the beautiful Kimberley region of Western Australia. I was living and working there as a School Teacher, and catching lots of fish. At the time we were filleting all these fish and throwing the skins directly in the bin, or to the crows.
One day I thought "there must be something we could do with them..?"
I first began to experiment with drying the fish skins and started gluing them to old pallet wood - then drawing the fish on top. Fish on Fish Skins has since moved south to Esperance, WA and evolved in sophistication. Uniquely handcrafted works are now constructed either on recycled timber with a resin coating, or individually presented in custom frame work.
The majority of Fish on Fish Skins are southern fish, but occasionally tropical fish from WA’s northwest are sustainably sourced. I have come to really admire the beautiful colours, patterns and textures in our Australian fish. I love that more of the fish is utilised after "the catch" and that the memory of the fish lasts long beyond the dinner plate.
HOW IT COMES TOGETHER (The Process)
STEP ONE
Find the skins, catch the skins, get gifted the skins or supplied the skins.
STEP TWO
Dry the skins in the shade.
STEP THREE
Press flat between two boards and heavy duty clamps.
STEP FOUR
Glue skin to chosen timber.
STEP FIVE
Make a wall around the rim of the timber with tape, and pour resin over the skin so the level is just above skin height.
STEP SIX
Sand the resin surface flat to a nice sandpaper grit.
STEP SEVEN
Paint the rest of the fish back on around the skin.
STEP EIGHT
Spray clear acrylic lacquer over the top to give a glossy look and protect the painting.
STEP NINE
Write desired information on the back side of the piece (fish, wood, location, size of fish, for whom).
STEP TEN
Deliver or post to recipient, to be commented on at dinner parties.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
A teacher, surfboard shaper and artist, Pat McCarthy grew up in Denmark, WA with a passion for the ocean.
A few of his favourite things include surfing, spearing fish and taking his boat out for a spin. He believes a surf is as good as a shower, and loves getting in the creative zone while drawing on surfboards, t-shirts and fish skins.
