John “Jack” Morford is a sculptor who uses his sculptures to create visual parodies of the human condition. He categories his work as “whimsically abstract pieces. He grew up in Saginaw, Michigan. After high school, Jack attended The Art Institute of Chicago. He later studied art again at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and completed a Master of Fine Arts Degree at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, California. Jack spent a lifetime participating in juried shows, art fairs, being represented by galleries, as well as commissioning work. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 75.

Jack Morford said regarding the piece, “It was right here all along? Many of us paddle and move through life struggling and trying to find significance and value in our life. We often feel like we are mixed up in a bunch of hullabaloo. If we just pay more attention to how our life experiences have shaped us, we realize our value and worth was attached to us all along.” “This particular piece has significant value to myself as it brings to the surface many memories of my grandfather. It reminds me of all of his “big fish stories” that although questionable at best filled us children with awe. The small old man in the boat seems to be riding the fish straight out of a magical land where anything is possible.”

This sculpture is one of three pieces acquired by the Lee Library in 2002.