Artwork copyright dick ibach. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright dick ibach. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Clouds and Shadows: Dock Fishing, 1991

dick ibach
(American | German, born 1940, died 2021)

Location: Green Mountain Elementary, Bremerton

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Clouds and Shadows: Dock Fishing by dick ibach is part of a series that repeats cloud and shadow images throughout. ibach notes that “The variety and beauty of clouds observed while fishing is fascinating. The beauty of the movement of the clouds and their reflection on the tossing water of the lake, ever changing in its blues, grays, greens and browns eases the burden when no fish are to be caught, and makes catching fish less important.”

ibach is trying to capture the effects of the clouds on both land and water. The human figure in the painting is small and overwhelmed in size by the landscape and the dramatic weather. The person fishing is small and unimportant compared to the energy of what surrounds him.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Central Kitsap School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Spokane, Eastern Washington-based artist dick ibach (1940-2021) created paintings that combine figurative imagery with expressive forms and symbolism. Of his work, ibach states, "The direction of my imagery is often autobiographical. It is my intention to speak of the dichotomy of the human condition: to address both the nobility and stupidity of it all."

ibach earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, in 1972. He taught art at Spokane Falls Community College for over fifteen years. In addition to teaching, he was a Jesuit brother for ten years during the 1960s and he worked many odd jobs such as a hospital orderly, sod buster, cattle brander, grave digger, and cabinet maker. These experiences have shaped his point of view as an artist.