Janet Fish (1938-2025), a Yale grad, wanted to be a good painter. She worked toward this goal on the Lower East Side, NYC, standing against the art trends of her day. She chose not to follow the Abstract Expressionism of Jackson Pollock and others or the Modern Art of still more, focusing instead on Contemporary Realism. She surpassed her goal of being a good painter with the skill represented in Beer and Brandy Glasses.

Janet Fish worked in this way. She would arrange a collection of objects, some glass, and closely observe the effect of light on these. She watched these dim and brighten with the light sometimes for days, months, longer periods. This watching affected the arrangement, her perception and the eventual work of art. Her fascination steeped in curiosity and patience as well as her remarkable technique led to oil paintings, lithographs and screen prints that are now part of the collections of The National Gallery, The Whitney and other distinguished institutions.

Light on everyday objects seems a focus open to all of us and all the time. Reflections can fill our eyes as we look for the light and find the beauty it shares. This seems an act of hope, of a glass half full and sometimes overflowing mind set, of lived assurance and grace even if not professed by artists or others.

We give thanks for Janet Fish, for her determination and skill; for her awareness and technique; for her views of the world filled with God’s goodness. May we look and find extraordinary reflections of God in ordinary places in these days ahead and always. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church