Art Worth Bottling

In-demand Melbourne artist Perry Fletcher doesn’t have much time to spare. But the fanatical Collingwood supporter did not mind taking time out to do his most recent job – a handpainted etching of Chris Tarrant’s high-flying mark on a bottle of wine.

“I copied it from a picture in the Herald Sun”, he told The Eye yesterday. “I’d have to be a one-eyed supporter to say Chris’ mark will win mark of the year because (Bomber Gary) Moorcroft’s was amazing.

“But I think the marks taken in a pack, like his was, look sensational so I think it will go close.”

The bottle was auctioned for $2000 at a Collingwood Woodsmen dinner.

“It was just a Hardy Brothers drop that probably cost me about $15,” Fletcher laughed. “But as they say, Van Gogh’s can canvas was worth nothing until he painted on it.”

Steady on, Fletch, Van Gogh might have been unhinged and missing an ear, but no one ever accused him of being a one-eyed Magpie fan.