It has now gotten to the point where most of the rockfish sculptures are based upon commission. Johanna called me up and asked that I build a rockfish sculpture for her husband's birthday gift. I agreed to do the commission and started looking for an appropriate stone for a snapper rockfish. I have done a few of the 'dogtooth snapper' representations. The fish, Lutianus novemfasciatus is also known by fishermen by other names including 'pargo priento' and 'cubera snapper'. They get relatively large and are much sought after by fishermen. I have seen a number of them underwater. They have distinctive fanged teeth.
These teeth are so sharp and pointed that you would believe they are from a T. rex dinosaur!
The sculpture has nails for it's teeth, but not nearly impressive as the real thing.
When this sculpture was photographed, the patination was relatively fresh and the coloration was more on the orange side. With time and exposure atmospheric oxygen and moisture, the sculpture color will mature to a deep rich brown.
The next image is of Austin, the fisherman, with his birthday present from Johnanna.
I have instructed the new owners of this sculpture to put it out in the weather in the back yard so it will continue to oxidize and darken. It is OK to spray the dirt off the sculpture with the garden hose. It helps bring out the ultimate coloration.
