🐟 The Story Behind… Give and Take by Steve Diossy

If you’ve ever looked at one of my pieces and thought, “This feels like a family gathering underwater”—you’re not wrong. In fact, Give and Take is exactly that: my version of a family portrait.

It’s a colorful, chaotic blend of personalities you’ll recognize from your own crew—whether you’re related by blood, friendship, or fish tales. Every character in this underwater scene has a role, a backstory, and a whole lot of attitude.

🎣 A Fin-Tastic Family Table

At the center of Give and Take is a black marlin—the head of the family, no question. Some people have compared the composition to The Last Supper, and while that wasn’t intentional, I can totally see it now. The marlin sits confidently, fins spread like arms at a table, commanding attention.

Right beside him is the ever-busy octopus, his right-hand…er…tentacle-man. He’s multitasking, naturally—giving and taking drinks, passing a beer to the mako shark, who I imagine is the family’s bold voice. The mako’s even got a baby shark hitching a ride on his back and another baby fish on a seaweed leash held by a dutiful angel fish.

🐢 Characters with Character

The sea turtle, off to the side, is the classic nurturing type—watching over the little ones with big, loving eyes. Above the turtle is the mahi, who, let's be honest, knows they’re the best-looking fish in the school. They’re caught mid-selfie, cocktail in hand (yes, that’s a dirty martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives).

But the octopus isn’t letting things get too out of hand—he’s sneaking that martini away, keeping the mahi from getting too full of themselves.

Above them all is a polo-playing seahorse, the athletic one in the family who drinks red wine and doesn’t take flack from anyone. She’s giving a blowfish a solid bop, protecting the crew from bad vibes.

🦀 Laughs & Layers Below the Surface

Near the bottom, there’s a “stoned” crab lounging with a trio of clown fish who are, let’s say, enjoying some seaweed. Each one’s in a different stage—puffy-eyed, laughing, and chill. The octopus lends a helping hand again, passing over some fresh water. (She’s clearly the responsible one in the group.)

👼 Symbols of Spirit

On the right, a flying fish with a halo hovers above, reaching toward the baby shark. That fish is a tribute to a close friend I lost—someone who still feels very present. It's my nod to the loved ones we’ve said goodbye to but still feel with us. Just above, an angel fish with a halo (and a tiny pair of horns) reminds us that no one’s truly perfect—we all have a little light and dark inside.

🎣 Meanwhile… on the Surface

Up in the top right corner, three fishermen are having the classic fishing experience: full of hope, excitement, and a touch of bad luck. With the help of a dolphin, mahi, and sailfish, they think they’ve landed something big. What they really get? A tire. The fish stole the bait and gave back some good old-fashioned disappointment. Been there.

I always enjoy imagining what’s happening just before and after these scenes. That’s part of the fun—these aren't just fish, they’re characters living out familiar stories.

🎨 Want to Own a Piece of the Story?

Give and Take is available as a limited-edition canvas print and paper print. Whether you’re the martini-sipping mahi or the octopus who holds it all together, there’s a little bit of everyone in this piece.

👉 Shop Give and Take Now