The story of Fortuna is as colorful and animated as the living koi fish she was patinaed to resemble. When I sculpted the original in clay, I had an entirely different vision and concept for the finished piece than what it has turned out to be. I’m so pleased to have let this one evolve into what she has become. Fortuna has metamorphosized from a sculpture that was intended as cynical commentary on the superficial pursuits of man into a beacon of good fortune and a recognition of the astonishing beauty of nature on our planet. Originally, this surrealistic representation of the fish as a metaphor for greed and selfish motivations was titled “Suckerfish Ball”. I’d had a vision of a fish standing on its head and writhing like a flickering candle flame. That was the vision out of which the ball and fish form evolved. The addition of dollar signs and stars and the stripe around the ball were intended to represent money, fame and play respectively, but these additions were all envisioned through the distorted lens of my cynical outlook at the time. I’m truly grateful that my outlook has changed dramatically since then!
“Suckerfish Ball” is the only other sculpture on the planet that is nearly identical to “Fortuna”. They’re pulled from the same mold, so that’s to be expected. The major difference between them is that the fish figure on the first casting was poured in white bronze which gives it the shiny silver look. “Suckerfish Ball” was purchased years ago and now resides in the collection of Phillip and Lynn Rogers. In my opinion “Fortuna” is the stronger piece of artwork. Not only is it warmer in color and concept, but it is also invested with positive energy and designed to bring good fortune to any home where it is being displayed. Now, those may sound like the words of a snake-oil salesman, and I could see why some folks might scoff at the notion of a good luck charm, but I can’t see where the harm is with a little bit of positive superstition being peddled between friends!
Physical Properties of Fortuna
Fortuna – Bronze casting mounted on cream colored marble base (pentagonal). The patina on this bronze is one of its most striking features. The opaque and creamy tones of the koi fish contrast nicely with the details of bronze dollar signs and the band around the ball. This was a sophisticated patina to perform given the fact that a patina finish can’t be built up like a paint job. The color that adheres to the metal is still only a few microns thick. It’s similar to a smoked glass process where what you get to stick is what you get to keep.
Dimensions: 27.5″ H x 10″ W x 8″ D ~ Weight: 32 lbs.
Approximate time involved: 180 hours from concept to completion.
Price: $9,500.00 USD – Includes metal pedestal shown in photos.
An Investment in the Future of Our Planet and Our People
The sale of “Fortuna” will forward the cause of the “Grand Providentia Projections” as it will allow my wonderful Dani and I to establish our physical home together on God’s green Earth. We’ve been growing our love (online) for almost two years now and we long to be married and live together somewhere in the USA. Together we are unstoppable, just as the GP Projections will be unstoppable with the collective positive intentions of our friends and supporters worldwide.
