There was a time when artist Janet Percy’s name was synonymous with beautiful watercolours of local flowers and plants, but then she took a break for ten years, and now there is something distinctly fishy about her work – as viewers of her solo exhibition in the Edinburgh Gallery at City Hall will discover this weekend.

Specifically, Mrs. Percy has discovered the joys of making papier m?ch? images of Bermuda’s reef dwelling fish, and her new-found interest in both subject matter and medium came about through what she calls “the most amazing serendipity” – wanting to create something special to compliment her grandson Jamison’s interest in fish. The two had spent many happy hours trying to catch sergeant-majors – popularly known as cow pollies – so she decided to make one for his bedroom wall.

So successful was this first effort, in fact, that Mrs. Percy was inspired to create a variety of fish, and the more people saw them the more orders she received. In addition to the encouragement of friends, her family have also been enthusiastic supporters of her work. Sons Robert and Andrew, being fishermen, have been able to provide colourful specimens for her to copy, and also give her advice on measurements and other details.

Mrs. Percy’s work has also generated great interest beyond our shores. In her grandson Stephen’s class at the Pegasus School in California. When his teacher saw photographs of her work, she was invited to visit the class and give a presentation on her art and Bermuda’s fish.

Since October 2000, the artist has created 55 pieces in all – 29 of them specifically for her current exhibition, which is entitled ‘Reef Roamers.’

The name was chosen by her 93-year-old mother, whom she credits with having been instrumental in “supporting, praising and encouraging” her to resume her creative activities.

Each fish takes Mrs. Percy between ten and 20 hours to complete, and while most are authentically recreated, she admits that occasionally she takes a little artistic licence with colour, or to highlight a feature. All are three-dimensional, with projecting fins and raised gills, and are made with flat backs to hang on the wall.

Bermudian Mrs. Percy was educated at the Bermuda High School for Girls and is a self-taught artist. In the past she has exhibited both solo and in group shows at various galleries. She won two awards for her work; the Grumbacher Award for her watercolour, ‘Ralph’s Garden’, and a citation in the Fine Arts category of a Bermuda Society of Arts Awards for Excellence in the Arts competition for two watercolours, ‘Ralph’s Garden’ and ‘Bird of Paradise’. For some years she has been a pen and ink illustrator for various educational field guides published by Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, whom she describes as “very interested and supportive” of her work.

After her long absence from the art scene, Mrs. Percy is excited about Friday’s official opening.

“It has been so long since I exhibited that I thought I was never going to do art again, but now I have lots of good ideas about painting,” she enthuses. “In fact, when the exhibition is over there is a painting that I really want to do. Since I am no longer working I can create from morning to night. There’s nothing to stop me now!”

Reef Roamers’ will run from May 3 to 16. For further details see the Bermuda Calendar.