This painting signifies all the impenetrable characteristics shared between the symbol of the fish and the hanging’s recipient. The symbol of the fish transcends all folklore, religion, culture and corners of the earth. It has long represented Knowledge, Instinct, Persistence, Determination, Foresight, Wisdom, Inspiration, Rejuvenation, Prosperity, Fortune, and the Flow of Life From the Earth. A salmon journeys to its ultimate goal against all obstacles. The fish is all great teachers in one.
In many cultures, a fish is used to compliment one with unusual ability, and a pair of fish (such as in this wall hanging) symbolizes marriage and conjugal harmony.
This painting went to Richard (Dick) Donner and his wife Lauren, and was seasoned with all the colours and style and heart of Maui in mind.
I first had the pleasure of meeting Dick briefly in New York in February 2005. I then had the absolute privilege of spending a few days with him on the set of the Bruce Willis / Mos Def / David Morse movie 16 Blocks in Toronto in June.
Anyone who has spent anytime with Dick, however small, can attest to the fact he is a pretty inspiring individual. From the first millisecond I met him I knew he was a rare gem. Aside from being a legendary Hollywood director and producer (for those of you who just watch the movies and don’t read the credits, he directed The Omen, Superman, The Goonies, Lethal Weapon I, II, III and IV, Maverick, Conspiracy Theory, and my personal favourite, Scrooged, just to name a few), he has an easy going non-pretentious nature that he necessitates not only from himself, but those around him. But more than that, there is this aura of absolute enthusiasm that literally seems to radiate from him in all directions as he runs circles around people half his age. Calming but enormously strong and effervescent, the energy he emits is suffused with incomparable brilliance and kindness. It is an energy that runs rampant with a passion for his career, his friends and family, and his superabundance of life.
I help out as a Palliative Care Crisis Volunteer at the Sarcee Hospice. Officially my job is to sit with patients and families and help them deal with this very difficult transition in their lives, or in the case of people without family, to make sure no one dies alone.