When I first learned to fish, the
black drum was a mystery to me. I heard about it-
I knew it existed- but it was lurking out there in the
parts unknown. Somewhere deep, I was sure.
Just the name “Black Drum” made it sound like a
mysterious fish with a long history.
I worked in warm colors for the drum to try and
emphasize the size and stature of this fish. It
marked the first time in my work where I used a
color palette intended to add interpretative
elements to the illustration of the subject. It was
also the moment when I began emphasizing the
importance of color in the craft of batik making.
While species identification remains a critically
important element of my work, this piece was a
catalyst in focusing on the intersection of art and
craft in my work.
