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Lake’s journey from the classroom to the studio is a testimony of his desire to continue creating art while being gainfully employed as a high school teacher. His pursuit of a dream to make art a full time job became a reality when he recently retired from his teaching career at Sault Area High School in June 2023.\u00a0 Popular among students, \u2018Mr. Lake\u2019 dedicated over two decades to teaching high school biology \u2013 with a stint of middle school English and STEM for a few of those years \u2013 as he left a legacy teaching a subject that is near to his heart. While he enjoyed his time as an educator, he had always intended to continue as a full-time artist transforming his lifelong passion into a fulfilling second career.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve enjoyed my 25 years of teaching science in the Sault Public Schools and have been fortunate to meet and teach thousands of students throughout those years,\u201d<\/em> commented Lake. \u201cHowever, while teaching, art was just a hobby for me. I used it as an outlet to relax during my time away from work. Now, with my retirement from teaching, I have the opportunity to move forward into my \u201cnext career\u201d and combine my love of art with fishing.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n An avid outdoorsman, Lake grew up hunting and fishing with his dad, Ken Lake, who is also a retired educator.\u00a0 Lake\u2019s artistic works have always had a common thread of nature woven throughout, having grown up in the Eastern Upper Peninsula surrounded by the natural beauty of the Great Lakes region.\u00a0 His works include landscapes, animals, pet portraits, and fish illustrations.\u00a0 During the summer of 2018 he found an outlet in the world of fish replicas, and enrolled in an intensive artistic seminar in Hinsdale, New Hampshire to study under world-renowned taxidermist, Rick Krane, to develop his skills in creating life-like replicas of a prized catch. This craft combines a precision and meticulous attention to detail that Lake cultivated through his years of drawing and painting. His eye for anatomy and a genuine appreciation for the beauty of fish made this transition a natural fit.<\/p>\n Creating life-like fish replicas involves careful observation of the fish’s anatomical structure, coloration, season of the catch, and the unique details that make each species distinct. He works from photos of a client\u2019s catch, as well as measurements taken at the time of the catch.\u00a0 On a fish blank, molded and cast from an actual fish that matches these exact measurements, and through hours of intricate work, Lake captures the essence of the fish, turning them into pieces of art that are both strikingly realistic and aesthetically pleasing. Artistic mediums used include epoxy putties, air-brushing, hand-painting, scale-tipping with metallic powders, among numerous others depending on the species.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s quite a process that many people are unfamiliar with,<\/em>\u201d said Lake.\u00a0 \u201cTo create a life-like ‘fish mount’ from just a photo of a trophy catch takes a lot of time and effort with specialty tools and mediums to recreate every intricate detail from the exact fish in the photo.\u00a0 Every fish is different, even among the same species, depending on when and where they were caught.\u00a0 Each fish has unique markings that make it different from every other fish.\u00a0 I enjoy the challenge to make that exact fish with each of its unique details.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lake’s choice to specialize in fish replicas reflects his deep-rooted connection to the scenic beauty of Lake Superior, and the many inland lakes and streams where he\u2019s fished over the years. The northern shores have always held a special place in his heart, as he has spent a great deal of time at his family\u2019s cabin at Salt Point on Lake Superior.\u00a0 His art serves as a medium through which he can honor and preserve the memories of a fishing expedition and prized catch that will last a lifetime.<\/p>\n More of Joel Lake’s work can be seen at his Facebook page Lake Fish Replicas<\/em><\/a> and he can be contacted at joellake@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Did you know that the LSSU Alumni Association sponsors an Alumni Insurance Program as a service to our graduates? The program offers a variety of attractively priced insurance products, most of which are available to alumni, students, faculty and staff, as well as their spouses, domestic partners, parents, children, and siblings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Long-term protection with great rates and fantastic features. Coverage is available from $10,000 to $50 million.<\/p> Travel Medical and Trip Protection coverage is available for individuals or groups, for personal or business travel.<\/p> Protect your assets from serious erosion while allowing access to quality care in the most appropriate and desirable setting.<\/p> Simple, customizable dog and cat insurance plans are available.<\/p> Liability coverage up to $2 million is available for events lasting from a few hours to as much as 10 days.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n COMING SOON<\/mark> Family dental coverage that provides a national network of dentists, online enrollment, and travels with you to any employer<\/p> NEW!<\/mark> Protect yourself and your family against identity theft with a comprehensive solution you can count on.<\/p> NEW!<\/mark> We offer an all-in-one simple solution that includes a selection of plans, employee enrollment, and ongoing administration.<\/p> A licensed insurance professional is available, at no charge, to answer questions and provide customized guidance.<\/p><\/div>![\"fish\"](\"https:\/\/lakerlog.lssu.edu\/fall2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2022\/11\/Kargo-Design-2.png\")
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\r\nLSSU Alumni Insurance Program<\/span><\/h3>
Life Insurance<\/h4>
Travel Insurance<\/h4>
Long Term Care Insurance<\/h4>
Pet Insurance<\/h4>
Special Event Insurance<\/h4>
Dental Insurance<\/h4>
ID Theft Protection<\/h4>
Small Business Insurance<\/h4>
Advisory Services<\/h4>
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