Arlene Conklin: Creating Art from Nature
By Dorothy Kamm
No matter where a person resides, the local environment influences everything from dining to dress to decoration. When living in the Keys, visual artist Arlene Conklin fell in love with tropical living. She began creating wall art using found materials to depict a very popular tropical subject – fish!
“While living in the Keys 10 years ago, I saw a Mahi painted on a palm frond in a local gift shop,” says Arlene. “I showed the item to a friend who was an artist and told her I wanted to make something similar.” This friend taught her how to paint a palm frond using a sponge and acrylic paints, although Arlene also says she uses brushes occasionally.
Why paint fish? “Because I find them beautiful,” states Arlene. She’s painted sharks, sailfish, stingrays, dolphins, porpoises, crabs and turtles, but Mahi is the most popular. Sometimes she paints what she calls “crazy fish,” which are whimsical and very colorful, with big mouths and long teeth made from seashells. She also uses seashells for eyes. When a piece is finished, she sprays it with a clear coat for protection. “I have to hang up finished pieces to store them until I exhibit them or sell them. They can’t be piled up,” she tells. The pieces are hung with fishing line and a hook or a nail.
People, especially men, are attracted to her fish. The subject has wide appeal, as does the material she uses because it is natural and repurposed.
Arlene gathers the boots and fronds from backyard palm trees, which she stores in piles in her garage. Her garage also serves as her studio. “I use a huge fan in summer!” she exclaims. When she chooses a palm frond or boot to paint, she allows its shape to dictate the aquatic subject.
Arlene met Terry Long, who is the curator of the Alliance Gallery, and showed her some of her fish creations. “Terry fell in love with my artwork and encouraged me to join,” says Arlene. “That’s how I got involved with the Cultural Alliance.”
Her work can be found in the Alliance Gallery, at some of their exhibits, and through the Cultural Alliance’s online gallery. Arlene also does custom work. She can be reached at arlene.conklin@yahoo.com and at 386-689-7181.