The encounter with the artist, Ethan Estes, was a serendipitous moment that stemmed from a local observing him collecting trash on the beach. This encounter led to a conversation about art and eventually culminated in his introduction to the members of the local art festival.

Despite the language barrier, an invitation was extended to introduce Ethan to the art festival, which he gladly accepted. During their meeting, Ethan unveiled his work titled “Impressions of Sado Island.” This particular work was inspired by his visit to a fishing tackle shop, where he encountered fish prints. Utilizing the scattered trash along Sado’s coast, Ethan ingeniously created his fish prints, symbolizing a fusion of art and environmental consciousness.

Ethan’s multifaceted identity as both an artist and an aquarium researcher underscores the depth of his inspiration. His visit to Sado was motivated by his research on tuna spawning, shedding light on the island being a crucial ground for this spawning due to the convergence of warm and cold currents in the Sea of Japan. Notably, Sado attracts migratory fish like the famous Oma tuna, possibly seeking refuge from harsh winter conditions.

What do you see when you contemplate this work?