The Fisherman and his Soul

2017

Steel

55  x 102 x 19 inches

500 lbs

Inspired by Oscar Wilde's 1891 story The Fisherman and His Soul, this sculpture explores the relationship between love, sacrifice, and the struggle between the heart and the soul.

Rather than illustrating a specific scene from the story, I wanted to capture its emotional character through flowing, intersecting forms. The sweeping steel elements suggest movement and connection, while the open spaces between them become as important as the forms themselves. As with much of my work, the sculpture changes with the viewer's perspective, revealing new relationships as it is viewed from different angles.

A Personal Note

Unlike many of my sculptures, which begin with an exploration of shape or material, The Fisherman and His Soul began with a story. I was drawn to Wilde's timeless themes and wanted to create a sculpture that reflected the spirit of the narrative rather than its literal events. My hope is that the work invites viewers to form their own interpretations, whether or not they are familiar with the story that inspired it. 

Photo Credit: Steve Mall