A Nose for Fish 

Perry Oliver's etching, "A Nose for Fish," pulls us into the world of labor and the working class. The etching technique itself involves applying acid to a metal plate to create an image, a process demanding skilled labor and specialized tools. Oliver uses dense, deliberate lines to define the figure of the fisherman. Note the deep shadows around his brow, the texture of his worn clothing, and the details of his rubber boots; these choices bring the image to life while evoking the grit and weariness of daily toil. In this print, Oliver captures not just a likeness, but a sense of lived experience and the dignity inherent in labor. It compels us to look beyond the surface and consider the human stories embedded in everyday objects and occupations.