Elephant

Artist: John Fish
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Card: US$3.42
Print: from US$17.10

Elephant

A tiny, tidy room. I am speaking in memories, illusions and pleasantries. The air conditioner is not running and the sun shines through a white window over white wicker furniture and artificial floral arrangements and a tile floor that is not lovely at all, not chic at all, but is always clean.
I am leaving,
scooting around the edge,
feeling my way in the dark,
suddenly unable to breath.
I feel proud of myself for avoiding the obvious. Proud for not bringing it to anyone’s attention. Proud for not mentioning that I was suffocating. Proud that I didn’t let my feelings show. Proud that I was what someone else wanted me to be and not who I am. Proud that I had kept
the secret.
I open the door to get into the car, sniff the air, look down. I must have stepped in elephant poop.
I don’t feel proud at all.

This painting is acrylic on canvas. 52”x52” 2008

Elephant belongs to the following groups:

AW Welcome Center and The Healing Journey

satwant, 4 months ago

Beautiful, Your imagination is great. I can see it John
DreaM, 4 months ago

stupendous! this is so beautiful and strong! i love it and your writing too. your work moves me.
butchart, 4 months ago

i love your work john… this is special…....... we all step in elephant poop… just scrape it off and keep walking…........b
Richard G Witham, 4 months ago

Elephant poop; it really sticks to you doesn’t it. Even after you’ve cleaned it all off, the odor lingers like a memory you’d like to forget.
Beautiful work John.
Sophie Shapiro, 4 months ago

John your painting and words are fantastic! The elephant is obviously one of your animal totems and what’s a little accident along the way. I found your words so moving and could relate to them completely! The elephant is a symbol of wisdom, and you are very wise!Sx
meltaylor, 4 months ago

Love this piece, John!!
mel
John Fish in reply to meltaylor’s comment, 4 months ago

Thanks Mel
John Fish in reply to satwant’s comment, 4 months ago

glad you could see it and thanks
John Fish in reply to DreaM’s comment, 4 months ago

thank you so much for your wonderful remarks
John Fish in reply to butchart’s comment, 4 months ago

thanks for you comment and insight. I always like your outlook on things.
John Fish in reply to Richard G Witham’s comment, 4 months ago

thanks Richard. appreciate you comments
John Fish in reply to Sophie Shapiro’s comment, 4 months ago

thank you Sophie for the comments and insight. very interesting. I don’t know much about totems
Sophie Shapiro, 4 months ago

John, I will let you know about totems in August. I will have a little more time then. I think you will enjoy it! Thinking of you!Sx
Dennis Knecht, 4 months ago

John- Wonderful Elephant! Dennis
mimi yoon, 4 months ago

i feel the earth beneath, the sky above, the waves breaking, and i feel life in your painting.
in your writing… i feel you… and i don’t even know you…

beautiful work!!!
John Fish, 4 months ago

what a wonderful thing to say. thank you
John Fish, 4 months ago

what a wonderful thing to say. thank you
John Douglas, 4 months ago

what a treat to begin my day!
Shellyb41, 4 months ago

Your work is stunning John!!
Susan Grissom, 3 months ago

I love this! delicious and the coloring and the vignette that goes along with it.
arteology, 3 months ago

the original must breath for sure in the room, love this new collection and 52 square is a nice size. bravo mr. fish