A 3D Mid Century Teak Fish Table

So, this is not just a beautiful, sleek lined, mid century table; it has been up-cycled with 3D fish that I shaped out of clay then layered in resin to look like they’re swimming just under the water surface! (Please see pics and also excuse my arms and phone reflection)

The inspiration for this piece was inspired by my aunt’s beautiful pond - watching the fish gently glide and weave under the water is so calming to observe, and that’s what I wanted to bring to this piece :-).

It is solid teak, with gorgeous tapered legs and gold gilded metal feet. The table top is just over 3’ in length, so the fish are pretty life sized!

MEASUREMENTS:

L: 92cm

H: 49cm

D: 39cm

PROCESS HIGHLIGHTS:

🔶 Whole piece cleaned and old finish removed from the table top

🔶 Artwork pencilled on surface as guidelines for clay

🔶 Clay applied to surface and details added by sculpting and using a hand tool to create the scales

🔶 Base colour applied to table top

🔶 Fish bodies hand painted using a blend of paints and pearlised pigments for the colours, to create the fish-like shimmer

🔶 Fins and tails painted on

🔶 Shading and highlights added for depth

🔶 Underwater pond plants, stones painted onto the base background - shading detail added to create the underwater look

🔶 A rim added and created with clay - put around the top of table top to act like a ‘bath’ for the resin and allow layers to build up above the 3D fish bodies

🔶 Rim painted lightly in gold to tie in with the slight patina on the gold feet

🔶 Whole piece sealed, then several resin layers applied and cured

🔶 Lily pads painted over the top of the resin layers to create a sense of them floating above

🔶 Mock crock wallpaper decoupaged onto the middle of the edge around the table table allowing thin gold edge to show above and below it

🔶 Several further resin layers applied and allowed to run over the edges to coat them, leave a nice finish and a flat surface. Resin drips removed underneath

🔶 Legs were refinished, repainted black, then waxed and buffed

🔶 A touch of gold gilding waxed applied to feet to brighten, then buffed

So there you have it! Bringing the outside into your home 😃

*Although resin is a durable finish with a glass-like shine and feel, it isn’t glass. So won’t be as flawless / crystal clear as a modern window for example. I advise using something protective under items placed on the surface, to protect the finish and keep it looking lovely. To clean, it needs a barely damp, soft cloth just with a light spritz of water.*

*Please be aware that vintage/antique items I sell may have age related marks / nicks / patina, especially depending on the age and original purpose of the item. I see the beauty and history in these, so will either leave them in, or work with them to add to the overall aesthetic of particular pieces*