Captain 'Cricket' Ferris

Another great fish tale. Only this time, I was fishing for a man that turned out to be a great fisherman!

I met Captain Ferris at an outdoor fish stand near Georgetown, Grand Cayman.  He had just turned toward me, flashing that grin and telling me one of his jokes (of which he has many!) when I shot the photograph he generously permitted me to use for the portrait. I promised to return to show him the finished portrait the next year. Now I must confess two things... I am a closet introvert and I was still learning to use my new camera. I nervously chatted with him and the others at the stand and rushed off...forgetting to get his contact information!

Captain Ferris' image kept me company in the studio the next winter, while I painted his portrait. I was looking forward to showing it to him in March.

I returned to Grand Cayman with a photograph of the painting, showing it to everyone, trying to identify him. Several people knew him, but I was informed he wasn't on the island that week! Oh my dismay..to have come so far and to have missed him! After finding out his name, I discovered he is quite the fisherman, bringing in record catches!

The day before we were to leave, one of his friends I had met, informed me Captain Ferris had returned and would try to stop by. I was elated! The next morning, 30 minutes before we headed to the airport, he arrived at our condo! It was a great reunion! After getting his contact information this time, I shipped a giclee copy to him and his family.

We look forward to meeting him and his family the next time we visit Grand Cayman!

* Pandora stations listened to while painting Captain Ferris...'Its 5 O'Clock Somewhere', 'Cuban Radio' and 'Island Music'

Acrylic on canvas

12"x9"