Flippin' your fins, you don't get too far
Legs are required for jumping, dancing
Strolling along down a - what's that word again? Street
...Wish I could be Part of that world
-Selected Lyrics from The Little Mermaid, Part of Your World
Yes, I quoted The Little Mermaid- Don't judge me.
Something about this "local flavor" is fishy. This 18-foot tall lady has been living large in the press since she was carved out of a dying 100-year old ash tree. Roadside America, The Washington Post, Weird Virginia, ArlNow and other local news sources have covered her story. Some Arlingtonians would like to have had other attributes on her covered.
I'm a huge advocate of artistic expression and I don't know why this piece was so controversial when it was unveiled. Even Barbara Favola chimed in on her mild discontent for the statue. She was quoted in the Post as saying, "It's amazing someone would exhibit that taste in this county." (former Arlington County Board of Supervisors and current Senator representing the 31st district of Virginia) I have mad respect for Babs, but really? If we were in Europe or seeing this on the masthead of a ship- this would be a non-issue.
I think she's great. This was a present from wife to her husband honoring his love for fishing and for his love of women. Hopefully the chainsaw sculptor, Scott Dustin, saw a little more buisiness with all the media coverage. I love that the tree was given a second life and now she gets to bask in the sun in her reincarnated form.
Love her or hate her she's an Arlingtonian and is a local landmark. Cherish the weirdness of Virginia. What are you waiting for? Go fish.
P.S. She's located on private property and you should probably admire her from a distance. You can see her from Lee Hwy as you drive by or you can park on a side street and enjoy her beauty from the sidewalk. The later is recommended given that Lee Hwy motorists don't have the patience for Sunday drivers. read more