'The Fisherman' makes big splash in West Commons Park

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Published September 14th, 2022

'The Fisherman' makes big splash in West Commons Park

By Vera Kochan

Art in Public Spaces Committee Chairperson Teresa Onoda stands beneath "The Fisherman" sculpture at Moraga's West Commons Park. Photo Vera Kochan

There's a new art installation in Moraga's West Commons Park (across Moraga Road from Moraga Commons Park), and Art in Public Spaces Committee Chairperson Teresa Onoda is anticipating more to come.

"The Fisherman" by artist Tony Zorich (tonyzorichart.com) was reviewed and approved at a joint meeting of the APSC and the Park and Recreation Commission in May, and a month later got a thumbs up from the town council. It is the first work of art to grace the new park, and as such the loaned piece has been placed in a perfect spot for maximum appreciation by joggers and walkers alike.

"West Commons Park was created with the understanding that it was to be a passive park, which is perfect for sculptures," explained Onoda.

Zorich, a resident of Danville, Calif., was approached about the project more than three years ago. According to his bio, "I spent my working years in real estate. I came back from Europe 20 years ago, inspired by the Impressionist paintings I saw there. I wanted to paint beauty and mostly landscapes. I got sidetracked from oil painting in 2006, when I went to Burning Man Festival and started doing sculptures. This sculpture was from my fourth time at Burning Man Festival."

"The Fisherman" has blue eyes and is primarily white holding a silver fish. Both pieces total approximately 150 pounds; the head is about 3 feet tall, and the hand is approximately 9 feet tall.

Passersby are left to ponder over several possible scenarios such as: Did the fisherman get pulled into the "water" by the fish; did the fisherman give up using his pole and decide to jump in the "water" after his prey; or did his boat overturn inadvertently making him a fisherman? Of course, it's entirely possible that "The Fisherman" is a metaphor far deeper than the "water" he is swimming in. In any case, he clearly catches his prize.

"This park is the perfect canvas for exhibiting art in public spaces," Onoda stated. "It helps to create a visual experience almost like an outdoor art museum."

For more information contact Art in Public Spaces at: tonoda@moraga.ca.us.



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