illustration · #FishyFriday
Fish Art et Facts was a project I led with links to the hashtag #FishyFriday on Twitter. The original purpose was to draw awareness to fishes, particularly those living in fresh waters, that are lesser known by the broader public because the species are not charismatic, are not fished for subsistence or recreation, or are not a commodity. I liked to combine the sketches with fishy facts about each of the species.
As the project grew, I opened it to commissions, and the focus shifted from lesser-known to more common species, including those living in salty waters. I contributed artwork to fundraisers to support scientists, journalists, and students for their projects and travel to conferences, and I sold the fishy designs via Redbubble.
I still use the fish illustrations to engage with others about the species. For example, I shared how enormous Arapaima gigas are with strangers I met at a holiday market in Montpellier, France, because they took an interest in the fishy design on my shirt.
A few of the species I have drawn: Lichia amia, Aplodinotus grunniens, Synchiropus splendidus, Atelomycterus marmoratus, Campylomormyrus rhynchophorus, Etheostoma spectabile, Grundulus bogotensis, Arapaima gigas, and Oncorhynchus kisutch.
If you are looking for a fishy design, or are interested in exploring communication about fishes through visual art, please get in touch via the contact page.