Restoration of the Einstein Salmon Sculptures

Restoration and Painting

HNA board members removed the female salmon for restoration on August 12th, and the male salmon on September 15th. We posted a public notice explaining the salmon project, and interested neighbors were invited to contact HNA to participate in the process.

Volunteers carefully transported the salmon via van to the location in Hillwood where they were kept during restoration. They were mostly easy to transport since they are made of fiberglass, however the existing fin damage and overall size of them did create some challenges while maneuvering.

The approach for the restoration of the two fiberglass salmon was to completely restore the bodies, remove all the old paint that was removable without damaging the fiberglass, and to paint the fish using brighter spawning colors. The artists chose to repeat selected original motifs from the original paintings, and then seal the paint with three coats of exterior grade semi-gloss varnish.

The HNA artists researched the market for the highest grade exterior grade mural paints and mediums. They chose the Novacolor product line produced in California for the paint, and Systemthree Max Putty from Kent, WA for the resin putty used for fin replacements and other repairs. After both salmon received repairs and were sanded, two layers of white gesso, a tough paint-like coating, were painted over the entire fish except for areas where some original leaf prints on the belly area of the male were still intact. A base coat of gray paint was applied after the gesso coats. Then, bands of color were blended over the main body of each fish. A second coat of the blended color was applied after the first coat was dry.

Once the overall skin colors were dry, graphite pencil was used to draw all the design elements on the female. Colors were mixed as needed, and corrections in both the pencil drawings and the painting were made along the way. Because it dried quickly, the paint was user-friendly and could be readily painted over.

The design motifs on the male salmon were created using stencils through which paint was lightly applied with a natural sea sponge. On both fish, the sponge was also used to add nuanced color on the heads and spine area. The designs for the “collars” on the salmon are based on patterns woven into historic Salish baskets and were painted directly on the surface. The yellow ochre solar motifs around the adipose fins were adopted from the original salmon painting.

Both fish originally had some leaf prints incorporated in the original painting. Those on the female were mostly obscured by other paint and weakened by weathering so they were sanded and painted over. On the male, many of the original prints were in good condition due to the preserved coats of varnish and less exposure to direct sunlight over time. The artists chose to enhance the prints that were in good condition by expanding areas of them using blue and gray colors that harmonized with the original painting.

All the fins of the salmon received multiple coats of paint including a final dark gray coat that sets off the shimmering opalescent colors brushed on last. Three coats of semi-gloss exterior varnish by Novacolor were applied as the final step.

We are thankful to have the opportunity to restore these community works, and keep them looking great for years to come. 

If you would like to see the full album of restoration photos, please visit our photos page!

Volunteer Rick Asher and HNA board member Kim Brazell moved the salmon from Einstein by carefully loading them into a van for transportation.

Detail work begins! Artists used stencils and free hand sketches to outline the design before painting.

Jocelyn Asher works on the finishing touches on the female salmon.

Painter and HNA photographer Hannah Connaughton paints the male’s characteristic spots. The stencils have been cut, attached, and wait to have paint be applied within the cut out areas.

Byron Wilkes, an Edmonds-based news writer specializing in regional history stories, has written an overview of the salmon project from its inception to its completion. In this paper, he has focused on the steps followed for the restoration of the male salmon seen above in its completed state. To read Mr. Wilkes’ paper, please click on the salmon.