Golden Eye.

[Dennis]

My first fish brooch made years ago, when I was just starting out, was flat and rather boring, though I liked it at the time. Sadly it was lost during a house move, so someone out there might still be wearing it or more likely, it fell through a space in the floor boards and has been gathering dust ever since.

The replacement I made some time later, was more rounded and jolly and had a funky eye like a clown.

The third, just completed, uses some of the stock from my pangolin experiments, gently formed in a hydraulic press. The lips, gill cover and pectoral fin were then added and to finish it off I have given it a golden eye, made from a small disk of 18ct veneer on silver. It was domed and then perforated for the pupil.

The back plate which carries the remaining fins, textured with a scorper, has been cut away in the centre to reduce its weight.

There is a stout stainless steel pin, as double pins are difficult to use for some.
I think I prefer the funky one still.

Sheet used: 0.7mm. Pin 1.0mm wire.
Approx. dimensions: 65 x 25 mm. Dennis.

[enigma]

Wow! love that Dennis! very lifelike!

[CJ57]

They all have their charm Dennis, the newest's pout lips are excellent. I feel sad to think of version one languishing in the dust under a floor though

[joella]

I love the first one - its so jolly and fun and somehow quite 'cuddly', and I love the 2nd one - its so refined, an aristocratic fish! definitely not to be cuddled - but admired.
Sue

[-Sally-]

I like them all - but the third one is really outstanding, very lifelike - and I appreciate the little bits of weed in the photo too.
Did you scorper the scaley texture on the front aswell?
Sally

[LydiaNiz]

Dennis, they are all sweet, but the golden eyed fish is absolutely beautiful (and my favourite!)

[joella]

I somehow managed to miss the 1st one, so my previous comments related to fish 2 and 3! But fish 1 is lovely too.

[Petal]

Absolutely stunning work Dennis. I especially love the goldeneye and the texture is perfect. We have 6 tinfoil barbs and I'd love to recreate them in silver one day, as they have such beautiful eyes and their fins are tinged with orange.

[Dennis]

Thank you all for liking my fish.
Sally the body texture was made in the mill, by rolling sheet with fine nylon fabric and then expanded metal mesh. Dennis.

[metalsmith]

Wow, Dennis ... liking the last: very lifelike

Carpe diem!