An enigmatic two-piece sculpture

This work of art close to the sea, has a two sentence inscription on the arms of one piece.
Just in case you can't make it out, it reads

ribs hold an old heart, harbouring the fish-quick flash
ribs' hold: an old art, harbouring the flash-quick fish

All punctuation as engraved.

What does it mean?

Ribs and heart as in a human, perhaps a fisherman?
Ribs as in the ribs of a boat (fishing boat?)
Art as in the art of boat building