“I plan on leaving this one up for a while”, says Paul Bryant about his latest window creation, in which he cannot safely say he is a big fish in a small pond.
“As we have entered Phase 2 and we can all leave our home more frequently, neighbours and friends are getting out and about in Luxembourg,” Paul says of the more relaxed climate of crisis.
The choice of koi was, according to Paul, “inspired by the new reality of meeting people with a pane of glass between us. At the store. At the bank. All over the world life goes on with measures designed to keep us safe from the the silent virus.”
Your editor loves a visual metaphor and this is one where we can get onboard very easily. “As much as this is something new to get used to, we are out there interacting and living our lives. Sort of like each of us is in our own aquarium.”
Aside from the allegories, Paul also enjoys the fish’s playful associations, “Koi are pretty and delightful for the kids. They are also symbols of good fortune and perseverance. Given the current situation wishing all “good fortune” and recognising in all the “perseverance” made koi an apt selection.”
Again, for the Bryants the fun is as much for the neighbors as themselves: “The kids from across the way came out on their terrace to to watch me paint and shout questions.”
Even though we, the public have been isolated, Paul recognises that there are ways to come together: “That is one of the great things that came from this crisis. Speaking for myself, I know my neighbours much better than I did.”
