The Big Fish was one of the first main projects that I felt truly attached to and channeled through. I was advised under Prof Schoyer (University of Virginia) on how to begin this piece that ultimately morphed into some kind of representation of myself. Using water based paints and pastels, I created the form of a fish as something that floats yet conveys motion.

I got a bit carried away with the fins, as you can see, but their shapes and colors helped me practice the medium. It developed in size and meaning, growing extra eyes and fins in the process. Paint drips were made to resemble music notes by rotating the mylar in different directions and allowing it to dry.

Between the fins are inlaid maps of my parents’ hometown (Karachi) and mine (Roanoke). I was able to explore color and contrast since the translucent paper made the colors appear differently against a gray floor versus a white wall. This is the largest piece I have yet to make – measuring 7 x 4 feet.