November 8th at 10am
A 9th generation Floridian, Elyse Olney’s life has revolved around the ocean. At 18, she moved to the Florida Keys to become an offshore fisherman. After running a charter fishing boat one day, she decided to draw on the long bill, or sword, of a swordfish fish she had caught. Her ink and graphite work resembles scrimshaw.
She will give a one-hour talk and demo on Sat., Nov. 8, at 10 am at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association gallery, 13451 McGregor Blvd., Unit 1, in Fort Myers.
She will discuss the preparation of the long swordfish bills and will also show her painting techniques. Each piece is later epoxied to preserve it. Fishermen who have made the catch of a lifetime have commissioned her to document the event.
She has no formal art training, but rents a studio in Fort Myers to devote full-time to her art. During the slow season, she works at a local marina, where our plein air painters met her.
The 10 am talk is free and open to the public.