Finding the Gold II 

David Michael Bowers painted "Finding the Gold II," presenting a mermaid in her underwater realm, holding a glass bowl with goldfish. The work invites us to consider the historical and cultural narratives surrounding mermaids, often depicted as alluring yet tragic figures. Here, the mermaid is not simply a creature of myth but a figure of contemplation. What does it mean for her, a creature of the sea, to hold captive goldfish, symbols of domesticity and artificial environments? The image creates a dialogue about captivity and freedom. The mermaid's gentle expression as she gazes at the goldfish evokes empathy, blurring the lines between captor and captive, nature and artifice. "Finding the Gold II" prompts us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and the ethical dimensions of containment.