About the Exotic and Tropical Fish Series

I love diving in the tropics and have spend countless hours mesmerized by the weird, strange, stunningly beautiful array of tropical fish and exotic fish of the Amazon and other great rivers of the world. The sculptural possibilities seem to be endless.

I was introduced to the wonderful textural qualities and graceful movements of the Arapaima at the Vancouver Public Aquarium. In real life the fish as a very metallic-like quality to it’s surface, particularly around the head. This strange and fascinating creature translated well into bronze. The completed bronze sculpture is mounted on large cast bronze log and is delicately balanced over the log with a two inch square point of attachment. The completed sculpture weights about 240 pounds. This bronzes sculpture conveys a strong sense of grace as the arapaima glides over the water worn log.

The bronze Arowana sculpture, or dragon fish, was inspired from my observations and sketches done at a hotel lobby in Ho Chi Min City. Again the textural qualities, unusual form and gracefulness of this amazing fish inspired me to work with this subject. The first series is now sold out; new versions are available by commission.

The salt water tropical fish I have so far focused on are the surgeon fish, the moon fish (Opah) and the Dorato (Dolphin Fish). The Opah is designed as a wall mounted sculpture in the manner of a half model and is well suited for outdoor installations. More bronze sculptures of tropical fish including the trigger fish, sun fish and a new version of the Dorato are planned for next year.

A new table design incorporating four sea horses as corner supports is underway and will be completed in the winter of 2009.

• Pair of Moonfish – Edition of 10. Size: 28 x 28 x 7 inches, and 24 x 18 x 6 inches). 

For further information on the bronze fish sculptures please contact Paul at paharder@shaw.ca or by telephone (250) 656-7783.