“Fish of Lake Ontario” is a collage piece that is a reference to the local, natural ecology of Lake Ontario. Each of the fish in the piece can be found in the waters of this Great Lake. It was very special to research the local fish in this region and learn more about who’s out there in those deep waters in preparation for making this collage. In Western New York, we live in a region whose ecology is thriving and is loaded with freshwater lakes and streams. Most of us tend to notice the land creatures the most; as a land creature myself it’s easier. Squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, raccoons, foxes, skunks, deer, groundhogs, a myriad of birds and insects.
My knowledge gaps and my experience about the waters of Lake Ontario are still vast. The pollution the lake has been subject to over decades of industry pollution makes fishing and eating fish problematic. Even swimming in the lake can be an undesirable undertaking at times and is not recommended. But Lake Ontario is not a lifeless place, and that’s what I was interested in pointing out.
The fish friends present in this piece are Brook Trout, Channel Catfish, Cono Salmon, Green Sunfish, Lake Trout, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkin Seed Trout, Rainbow Trout, and White Perch. Some are native and some were introduced.
This collage is not just a piece of art but a testament to a commitment to sustainability. It is made from a variety of found papers, each with its own unique story. As an artist, I am dedicated to using recycled, repurposed, and found materials to create my art. I specialize in handcrafting journals and making unique collages for journal covers and wall art that focus on nature, science, cartography, and more.
You can find my work at alliepusharts.etsy.com and on Instagram at @alliepush_arts.
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