The Good Fish and the Bad, 1966

Gift of the artist Private Collection, United States

William Kurelek, “Someone With Me”, Cornell University, Ithaca, 1973, page 523

Present in many of William Kurelek's most renowned work, “The Good Fish and the Bad” depicts a scene which includes both elements of life on the Canadian prairies and indications of the artist's deep faith. In the gouache, a man is found ice fishing with simple means, yet he has managed to catch an overflowing bucket worth of fish. He carries on humbly and patiently, without a sense of urgency (besides the many fish collected, his shelter and coffee pot provide the viewer with the realization of an extended time period). Like an icy desert, he is apparently alone in the wild with no sign of civilization around him. There are two distinctions of fish: the good ones in the bucket, and the bad ones which have been discarded. While the dog curiously inspects the dark fish that lie strewn across the ice, a figure in white is present towards the horizon on the far right, arms outstretched, out of view of the fisherman. Commonly associated with imagery of the fisherman, the figure is Jesus Christ. Although He occupies minimal space within the composition, it is not difficult to interpret Kurelek's vision of the role of Christ in the scene and within life. The painter intertwines the focus, determination and success of the fisherman with the presence and guidance of his faith. Describing the role of Christ within his own life, Kurelek said that he was certain that “I am not really alone anymore in the rest of my journey through this tragic, puzzling, yet wonderful world. There is Someone with me. And He has asked me to get up because there is work to be done.”