Mackerel Plow

Mackerel plows are utilitarian objects. Often used by New England fishermen in the nineteenth century, they consist of a short blade designed to slice fish to make them appear plumper and more appealing. Despite this quotidian purpose, this sculpture is a carefully and delicately carved, humorous form. The plow's handle is formed from a sensual, rounded woman; a fisherman would grasp her whilst he worked on an unglamorous task. The smoothness of her surface and softness of her varnish contrast with the harshness of her fundamental purpose.