Toy Fish c. 1940

Charles Garjian made this painting of a 'Toy Fish' with watercolor on paper, but we're not sure when. It's the kind of image that feels like it’s been around forever. It’s interesting how the grainy texture gives the fish a kind of antique look, like it was made from old, weathered wood, instead of smooth paint. The simple palette really lets you focus on the fish’s strange form. The dark brown color gives it a feeling of age and solidity. Look at the careful way Garjian rendered each ridge along the fish’s spine, using slight variations of tone to create depth. This attention to detail makes me think about the act of carving or modeling, rather than just painting. I'm reminded of Redon in the way the work transforms an everyday object into something otherworldly. It's less about exact representation and more about opening our minds to possibilities.