Drawing, pen and ink, original, nautical theme

An original pen and ink drawing by Thomas Hill titled "Breathing Like A Fish", this artwork is 18" x 24" on 140# heavyweight archival Canson paper.

The artwork is a highly detailed black and white illustration that features a surreal and complex composition. At the top left, there is a crab on a sand-covered rough edge object. Next to it is a submarine floating through space, hinting at underwater themes merging with cosmic elements. This theme continues with a snail with its shell replaced by an eyeball, and instead of antennae, there are pieces of cutlery – a fork and a spoon – extending outward.
The central portion of the artwork includes bubbles and a tentacled figure in a fluid-like environment. The words “LIKE A FISH OUT OF WATER” wind through the center, integrating the text element into the visual flow of the piece. Below, a cloud is connected to the text by a ladder, grounding the otherwise floating elements with a terrestrial object.
The bottom section displays a cartographer’s compass, reinforcing the theme of navigation and travel. This is surrounded by clawed appendages which could be crayfish or lobster pincers, adding an aquatic context. On the right-hand side, a large fish head vomits a stream of letters and numbers, which spread across to form a speech bubble containing several larger letters. This adds a sense of communication or expression through an unconventional and abstract form.
The diverse collection of objects and creatures blends aquatic, terrestrial, and celestial imagery, suggesting a dream-like or otherworldly narrative that challenges conventional reality and perception. The meticulous and intricate line work provides texture and depth, encouraging a closer examination of the piece's numerous details and hidden meanings.

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