Art

Item Description

Bassycle | Bassycles (formally known as Vehentem Piscis) are not only one of the fastest fish in the ocean, they’re also able to cover very long distances compared to other species. You can tell that this particular specimen is a juvenile by the presence of a disciplina fi (also known as a training fin), which disappears with age, as well as by the absence of a rear cassette, which gradually develops in the teenage years. You can also tell that this Bassycle is a male, by the forward orientation of the kick anchor. Bassycles tend to have some habits that seem peculiar to other fish. For example, when going to get coffee, they often go in large groups, dressed in tightly fitting apparel. Many Bassycles actually shave their scales, in hopes of gaining a slight improvement in performance, and they tend to be hoarders of all sorts of gadgets, upgrading with every new release.

They are also quite particular about how to wear sunglasses at the same time as a Bassycle helmet, ostracizing any fish that wears sunglasses with the temples under the helmet straps. Unlike other fish, which travel in somewhat random paths, most Bassycles stick to very proscribed, and often circular routes that end in the same place they started. While Bassycles are found in most of the world, there are particularly high numbers of them in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. While far from endangered status, Bassycles are facing an encroachment of their territories by motorized fish such as the Mopedfish and the Ebikefish.

Artist:  David Joseph

David Joseph is a Martha’s Vineyard based artist, physician, engineer and inventor. An avid international traveler, he has visited 125 countries on all seven continents, all 50 states, and over 270 UNESCO world heritage sites, each destination an opportunity to photograph nature, wildlife, and portraits. Unable to travel during Covid, David saw the potential to create art from the mundanity around him. He began to create found object sculptures made of old or used common household items, toys, and sports equipment. Each whimsical, thought-provoking piece displays the balanced composition of a trained artist and the skilled construction of an engineer. He serves on the Board of the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association and The Old Sculpin Gallery, and he exhibits in numerous galleries. He is very committed to supporting the community and donates numerous pieces to raise money for art, education, and community services.

Sponsors:  Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby

Item Special Note

This is a one-sided bass. 

Artist Estimated Value: $2,000.00

*50% of this fish is donated to the Derby Scholarship Fund.