GOLDEN AGE FISH DECOYS - by CB Lewis
Creation and Inspiration
My inspiration to create folk art comes from a background of exposure to the things I've been lucky enough to touch and observe over the years. As a younger man in my early 20's I had a hunger to collect utilitarian forms of American Folk Art like duck and fish decoys, weather vanes etc. After a few years of picking and dealing at flea-markets in NY, Pa and NJ. area I knew what I wanted to collect. Fish! So I owned a few here and there but like anyone with a family there were always other prioritys, so I started to create the things I lusted to possess.
In the early years my inspiration was fueled by artists like Oscar Peterson. His interpretations of fish forms were artistic but simple and the paint dictated the particular species. I could make them fast , proper weighting and swim testing came easy and the assembly process was of the utmost quality but I struggled through the painting process. As a self taught artist it took me almost 15 yrs. untill I felt satisfied with the creative painting process.
Today my inspiration and art has evolved from a compilation of classic fish decoys by the hands of carvers like Oscar Peterson, Harry Seymour, Jesse Ramey, Hans Janner and others, including many wonderfully creative but unknown master carvers.
A few Quotes from an article written by Jeff Kieny in Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine may just sum it up.
" Lewis' desire for authenticity and his drive to bridge the generations and create unique fish reminiscent of the Golden Age of fish decoys has led to his use of period materials and the evolution through time of his trademark style".
" With their warm, rich, settled patina most C.B Lewis fish decoys appear upon first glance to have lived a quiet life of 80 years or so on the shelf of a smoke filled bar. Upon closer inspection however, through his proprietary, finely finished and hand-rubbed surface, one feels as though you are stroking a fine antique piece of furniture. Yet somehow, with a Lewis fish, once it's in your hands there is no mistaking it for an actual antique. That visual and tactile dichotomy is one of Lewis' trademarks."
" CB lewis' fish decoys are truely unique and instantly recognizable - a subtle melting pot of his life's loves imbued with his own creative genius and abundant talent tempered by the influence of the great masters."
by Jeff Kieny writer and historian.
For more info go to: http://www.hfcollectibles.com/
You can purchase Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine directly from the source.
Volume 7, Number 6 / November / December 2007
In the early years my inspiration was fueled by artists like Oscar Peterson. His interpretations of fish forms were artistic but simple and the paint dictated the particular species. I could make them fast , proper weighting and swim testing came easy and the assembly process was of the utmost quality but I struggled through the painting process. As a self taught artist it took me almost 15 yrs. untill I felt satisfied with the creative painting process.
Today my inspiration and art has evolved from a compilation of classic fish decoys by the hands of carvers like Oscar Peterson, Harry Seymour, Jesse Ramey, Hans Janner and others, including many wonderfully creative but unknown master carvers.
A few Quotes from an article written by Jeff Kieny in Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine may just sum it up.
" Lewis' desire for authenticity and his drive to bridge the generations and create unique fish reminiscent of the Golden Age of fish decoys has led to his use of period materials and the evolution through time of his trademark style".
" With their warm, rich, settled patina most C.B Lewis fish decoys appear upon first glance to have lived a quiet life of 80 years or so on the shelf of a smoke filled bar. Upon closer inspection however, through his proprietary, finely finished and hand-rubbed surface, one feels as though you are stroking a fine antique piece of furniture. Yet somehow, with a Lewis fish, once it's in your hands there is no mistaking it for an actual antique. That visual and tactile dichotomy is one of Lewis' trademarks."
" CB lewis' fish decoys are truely unique and instantly recognizable - a subtle melting pot of his life's loves imbued with his own creative genius and abundant talent tempered by the influence of the great masters."
by Jeff Kieny writer and historian.
For more info go to: http://www.hfcollectibles.com/
You can purchase Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine directly from the source.
Volume 7, Number 6 / November / December 2007
http://www.hfcollectibles.com/
an early NY style decoy by CB Lewis
GHOST FISH