Hooligan Upstream

A lone hooligan, also known as 'eulachon' or 'candlefish', journeys up the Columbia River to spawn. A keystone species, these small fish return to the river at the end of winter - when their rich oils and nutrients are historically most needed by Native people of the Pacific Northwest, as well as innumerable predators. Many of our iconic species rely on the unassuming hooligan.

The 'Bunch of Hooligans' series was born out of a sense of humor for the phrase but also an homage to Pacific Northwest ecosystems and this fish carrying so much with it.

Oil on linen panel

12 x 9 in.

Please note that all photos are edited to be as true to color as possible, but color and lighting may vary on different screens.

Thanks to PNW conservation photographer, Josh Havelind, for lending me use of your photos and footage for this project.