Walking the exhibition hall at The Fly Fishing Show is a great example of the diversity of interests within fly fishing. Saltwater and freshwater, tied flies and materials for tying, established companies and small businesses are all represented. There are also nonprofits, antique dealers, booksellers, and artists.
Fly fishing is certainly about catching fish utilizing a particular technique. But the nature of the pursuit inherently lends itself to creativity and expression. This extends beyond flies and fine bamboo to watercolor and sculpture. Seeing artwork at an outdoor show is to be expected.
Along with providing artists exposure, their presence at these events gives attendees and other vendors an opportunity to take something home that isn’t purely functional. One might not need a new fly rod, but something one-of-a-kind to place on the mantle could be a great purchase. Booking a trip might be out of the budget, but a print won’t break the bank. Plus, it is great to support this facet of angling culture.
There were quite a few options for attendees to buy artwork or decor at the event, but these six booths prominently featured fly fishing art at The Fly Fishing Show in Edison, New Jersey.
Click on the titles below to head to each artist’s website.
This south central Pennsylvania fly shop caters to local anglers with practical, effective gear. Owner Braden Story also offers his original artwork for display or for function. Various fish are featured in prints, drinkware, stickers, and clothing. A few styles are employed, each reminiscent of the skater aesthetics Story grew up with.
Currier is known for fly fishing around the world (literally) and catching nearly 500 different species. His appreciation for these fish extends to his painted depictions of them. These designs make their way onto large-format fly boxes, drinkware, and clothing. With dozens of species to choose from, one can cultivate a very specific collection of Currier’s work.
Matt Hart’s heavy metal fly fishing artwork makes quite the impression. Cutting, welding, and manipulating materials such as steel, aluminum, and brass, Hart’s flies are massive replicas of often ephemeral imitations. These pieces are scene stealing centerpieces. Two-dimensional metalwork of flies and fish are also available.
The blown glass trout of Keen & Bright are each unique, eye-catching pieces of art. Dwight Yoder has been in the field for years producing commercial products, but has been creating fish, antlers, and other small items for his own small business more recently. These are truly artisanal pieces made by hand and made with care.
Alan James Robinson ties together two elements most anglers appreciate: maps and fish. His primary works are topographic stream maps overlaid with watercolor fish prints. Other artwork is available, but the maps are what Robinson is most known for. With customization options for the customer, a nearly limitless array of favorite streams and favorite fish exist.
Virginian Meg Davies’ gouache and pen watercolors are simple yet striking. There are freshwater and saltwater fish, as well as flies, in the angling collection. These can be purchased as prints or on notecards. Davies’ artwork is sophisticated but affordable, and would compliment any cabin, office, or fly tying room.
