About
ABOUT ME
I'm a fly angler and artist living in Minnesota. Inspiration for my work comes from exploring the intersection of the intangible and instinctual qualities of fly fishing, and the raw power of nature. Whether it's chasing smallmouth in my home rivers of Central Minnesota, exploring spring fed creeks of the Driftless area for trout, or submitting myself to another muskie beatdown, they all inspire and inform my art-making.
Materially my work consists of ink, pen, pencil, and acrylic on wood panels or paper while the subject matter is fused with themes and nods to sci-fi/fantasy art, heavy metal album covers and music, and other counter-culture aesthetics that have shaped me. The work acts as an expression of something that should evoke a sense of wonder, fright, excitement and pure energy that comes from time spent interacting with fish through line and rod, all while submerged in the places these fish roam. I specifically avoid applying too much prescriptive meaning to the work, and allow the inspiration to create to drive the forms and outcomes.
Fishing and making art are symbiotic activities, and in many ways I cannot see or do one without the other being present. I'm in an endless cycle of fly angling and making art, and that's perfect for me.
Photo: Mike Thienes