Recently, Kevin Powers, vice-chair of the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District, called me asking about the “solidarity fish,” so I went even a little further and arranged for a meeting with Kevin, his wife, (Martin County School Board Member), Marsha Powers, and artist/writer extraordinaire, —Janeen Mason.
(http://www.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/xrepository/sfwmd_repository_pdf/powers_bio.pdf),
(http://www.solidarityarts.com)
Sometimes in my world, it is best not to ask questions. It is best just to “do.” Knowing this timing and following my intuition is an important part of my mission in trying to save the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon…
Janeen Mason was a sport, and we met with my giving her little notice— she brought some of her beautiful, colorful, skeleton fish that have come to symbolize the river movement along the Indian River Lagoon. In fact, her idea is spreading across the state as she is called by others seeking advice on how to start such a “school,” (http://www.solidarityarts.com) as so many others across Florida have water issues too.
When Janeen met the Powers at their home, it was a wonderful thing for me, as I was able to learn her story which I had never really heard. (http://www.janeenmason.com)
Janeen told of being a young person, seeing the tropical fish in the Florida Keys for the very first time, and the powerful impression they made upon her young mind. She has carried this image with her through out her life, and most recently transposed it into the river movement in response to our “Lost Summer” of 2013 when the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) dumped polluted Lake Okeechobee water for five months (on top of area canal runoff) into the St Lucie River, causing horrific, toxic conditions in our and the Calooshatchee estuary.
Since this era, the solidarity fish have been associated with the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon “river movement,” the River Warriors, and many others. Even Martin County used the symbol to decorate their holiday tree. There are bumper stickers and T-shirts you will see just about everywhere displaying the fish, colorful on one side, and a skeleton on the other….
These fish, you see in the photos on the Capitol steps, have been hand painted by hundreds of children and concerned adults; displayed at the Elliott Museum; on the River Warriors’ Christmas/Holiday float in the City of Stuart parade; and even last year Washington DC!
The fish are art in its purest form: “transformative and inspirational…”
So when Kevin Powers asked about the fish, I asked no questions. I saw an opportunity to help the District “catch a fish,” our fish, the solidity fish of the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon.
I believe, soon they will be swimming their way into some very powerful waters….. 🙂
__________________________
South Florida Water Management District: (http://www.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/sfwmdmain/home%20page)
thanks for your work, time and effort. I am working with some people , family , and friends on this solidartiy. I will come back to you shortly with some ideas and will then go to the lady. I believe in working thru channels. We do video, music , and art , so I am thinking on a campaign for the Indian River. I have been bringing people down to see, and film and we are getting a concept to form in our minds. So, also, to connect the Cahaba River Society in Alabama as all the rivers need help, prayer, and love. Best, Ed, my friends call me Ed,
On Tue, Feb 24, 2015 at 9:27 AM, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch wrote:
> Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch posted: ” Recently, Kevin Powers, > vice-chair of the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management > District, called me asking about the “solidarity fish,” so I went even a > little further and arranged for a meeting with Kevin, his wife, (Martin > County”
Thank you Carl! Look forward to all and hearing from you in the near future!
Those fish really are beautiful
They are! 🙂
You both are a bridge builder and a piscicultureuer. Great work as always educating the people. Thank you Jacqui and JAneen!
Thanks Mike!
Never underestimate the power of Art; John Lennon, Picasso, Virginia Woolf, Shakespeare, Nelson Mandela, Joan of Arc, Pete Seeger, Dr. Seuss and many others knew this well.
History has shown that in all facets of social, economic, political, cultural and environmental movements, art has always played a vital and important role in influencing and bringing forth positive changes in extraordinary and unexpected ways that previously seemed impossible to effect. Janeen Mason created and gave us all a wonderful gift to reflect upon and appreciate – her Solidarity Fish. Many thanks also to Kevin Powers for all his support.
You are very good at expressing the importance and power of art. Thanks and good to see you Ezra! 🙂