Assemblage Sailfish Art

While in middle school, Andy found a sailfish photo that he really liked. The photo inspired several pieces of sailfish art over the years. He wanted to create a mixed media assemblage piece, but it took awhile to conceptualize it and collect the parts needed.

About a year ago, Andy began collecting random elements. Gradually, the sailfish started to take form. If you look closely, you might be surprised by what you find. The most obvious element came from the inside of a piano, which my mom found for us. (Don't worry, it was given to us with the intention of being disassembled for art.) You might also notice a crutch, which Andy had used as a child after hurting himself on a skateboard. Also, Andy used an actual swordfish bill that he got from a fisherman friend. Lock parts and an old paintbrush added the final touches.

This sailfish art was one of Andy's most popular pieces. He completed it the day before the Best of the Emerald Coast and showcased it at the event. Although he received several offers, a couple in Fort Lauderdale had already claimed it for their newly renovated home.

The cool thing about assemblage art is that it's always original... and can never be duplicated. I learned my lesson the hard way a few years ago. Andy had made an assemblage sunflower and I fell in love with it. I had claimed it as my own, which is a benefit of being an artist's wife. But when a customer inquired about purchasing it, I crumbled. I thought, "Oh, he can make me another one. No big deal." Wrong. He has made many assemblage flowers since I let that one go, but there hasn't been one that I've loved the same way. My point is this... If you see original artwork that you really love, get it. You may not have another chance.