Meet the Artist Series
Irene Meniconi: The Artist Behind Kaleido King
Behind every Fishe pattern, from Troutrageous Rainbow to Dolly Vee, is an artist whose work becomes the basis for our signature designs.
We are honored to have such talented individuals as part of our team, and we think it is high time to share their stories.
Today we want to introduce you to Irene Meniconi, the artistic mastermind behind Dolly Vee, Kaleido King, and Beauty and the Bonefish.
Quick summary
From artist story to finished Fishe pattern
Irene took the time to correspond with us about her life, her work, and the process that she uses to collaborate with Fishe on our signature patterns.
Why trust Fishe
Designed by a women-centered fishing brand
Fishe is built around women who fish, travel, wade, row, guide, and spend real days outside.
Our prints start with original artwork and turn into functional gear made for movement, weather, and water.
That mix of artist collaboration, product know-how, and on-the-water use is why stories like Irene’s matter: the artwork is not an afterthought. It is part of how Fishe gear is built.
Words from Irene
Irene on Nature, Fish, and Art
“Always guided by my deep love for the natural world.”
Artist perspective“Nature is the main element of inspiration.”
Creative source“Working on fish is very stimulating and fun.”
Why fishIrene’s path to full-time artist
Irene was born in Florence, Italy and grew up in the Chianti region of Italy.
She was raised in a family that encouraged her creativity and encouraged her to spend time in and appreciate nature.
She attended an artistic high school, where she learned technique: drawing, painting, and sculpture.
She went on to attend the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, where she started to develop her own personal artistic style.
Irene now does commissioned works for private individuals and companies all over the world, though she notes that her work continues to remain very personal, and is “always guided by my deep love for the natural world.”
Nature as inspiration
For Irene, nature is “the main element of inspiration,” and this inspiration began in her childhood, surrounded by the landscape of Chianti.
Her paintings and drawings cover subject matter from horses to octopi to wild boars.
She found that collaborating with Fishe came very naturally, as she has also always been attracted to fish.
Why fish work so well as art
Irene says she is not a person who fishes, but she loves to snorkel in the sea.
She is always amazed by the marine world that you can see while diving, while when you are out of the water it seems that none of this exists.
Kaleido King process
How a Fishe print comes to life
Below, Irene walks us through the steps that bring her and the Fishe team from an initial idea to the final Fishe design.
The accompanying photos show the process of creating the pattern for Kaleido King.
1. Accurate drawing
“We always start with an anatomically correct drawing of the fish, because it must have the characteristics of its species and has to be recognizable.”
2. Creative direction
“Linda and Kacie tell me their idea about this fish: what are the characteristics they would like to highlight and what they would like to see in its decorative body pattern.”
3. Sketch review
“I usually do some sketches which are reviewed by Linda and Kacie. This is the most creative part of the whole process!”
4. Final design
“After we have approved all the elements: anatomical drawing, color, decorative pattern, I proceed with creating the final design!”
Step 1: anatomically correct king salmon drawing.
Species first
The fish needs the characteristics of its species first, so it remains recognizable before the decorative body pattern is added.
Step 2: color and watercolor direction.
Color and decorative pattern
Linda and Kacie give Irene one or two elements to work on, and she imagines how to elaborate those elements in her personal watercolor and ink style inside the fish.
Step 3: first body pattern sketch.
The most creative part
Irene says the sketch-review stage is like being given three ingredients and being able to use them to make many different recipes.
Step 4: approved final artwork.
Watercolor and ink on paper
All of Irene’s Fishe designs are made with watercolor and ink on paper, and every fish has its own distinctive element of recognition.
Kaleido King Collection
To see the artwork translated into finished gear, check out the entire Kaleido King Collection.
See the print in finished gear
The Kaleido King artwork carries into product details, color, and movement across the collection.
Shop Kaleido KingTo see more of Irene’s work and learn more about her studio process and artistic style, follow her on Instagram, @irenemeniconi_fineart.
And stay tuned for more amazing Fishe designs from Irene in the future.
Related reading
Related Fishe Stories
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Irene Meniconi?
Irene Meniconi is a Florence-born artist behind FisheWear patterns including Dolly Vee, Kaleido King, and Beauty and the Bonefish.
Which FisheWear patterns did Irene create?
Irene created Dolly Vee, Kaleido King, and Beauty and the Bonefish for FisheWear.
How does a Fishe print start?
It starts with an anatomically correct fish drawing so the species has its characteristics and remains recognizable.
How does Irene create the final artwork?
Once the anatomical drawing, color, and decorative pattern are approved, Irene creates the final design in watercolor and ink on paper.
Where can I shop Kaleido King?
You can shop Kaleido King through the FisheWear Kaleido King Collection.
Final note
From the artist’s hand to the water
The best FisheWear prints do more than decorate gear. They carry an artist’s story from original artwork into the everyday lives of the women who wear it.
