Fish Series Overview

Creative Process

The works of art in the Fish Series were Vera's earliest experimentation using the computer. At the time, Vera was working with collages. The addition of different pieces easily allows for a strong and distinct design that she was seeking in her artistic statement. For some pieces, she painted with alkyd paints and added materials to obtain the texture that she wanted. And to achieve the color and other patterns she used cutouts from many sources. Up to this point in the process, she used the traditional method for creating collages. Her procedure deviated from the traditional method only after the collage was scanned into the computer. Then, the image of the collage was manipulated in many ways. As the result, the original collage became a digital work of art.

Transformation of Form

In reference to the fish shape, she used a particular method that created an unusual and unique appearance. After the image was scanned, she noticed that this uniqueness occurred, and therefore, must be the result of the scanner and its mechanism. Furthermore, each fish appears different even though she used the same fish shape in each work. The difference is the results of manipulating the fish in various ways before scanning it, and then by manipulating the fish and the background further by digital drawing, painting, softening of the edges, and color treatment. Through these digital changes the original collage was transformed into a different work of art. This procedure changed the rudimentary collage into something more cohesive that would have been very difficult or impossible by the traditional collage making method. Seeing the effect of this transformation, Vera realized the great potential the digital medium holds.

Symbolism of the Fish

As for the symbolism associated with the artwork, the fish symbol is rich in meaning. This symbol is familiar to Christians worldwide. The outline of the fish seen on bumper stickers has reference to Jesus and the New Testament. In fact, the fish symbol is very ancient and can be traced back to more than 2,500 years in ancient Iran. In the ancient world and in the cultures that still hold the ancient traditions the fish is symbolic of the Great Mother Goddess. For example, in China the Great Mother Kwan-yin is often depicted in the shape of a fish, and in India the Goddess Kali is called the "fish-eyed one." And in astrology, Pisces of the zodiac is symbolized as two fish facing in opposite directions. The astrological meaning of Pisces deals basically with the subconscious or the hidden nature of things.

Personal Meaning

The meaning associated with the fish shape in the fish Series will be personally for each person, For Vera, these works are closely aligned to the astrological meaning of the hidden nature of life, and the fish symbolizes the higher consciousness. When she was creating these works, she was aware of the environment (background) in which she placed each fish; therefore, the color and the background influenced her in naming the pieces. For her, each piece of art evokes a particular feeling. Similarly, the viewers will have their own feelings and symbolic associations with the imagery that are meaningful to them.