Fly Punk - Issue 3

A
FLOATING
CANVAS
― Sarah Landström ―
B
eing a young female artist has made
entering into the fly fishing industry
anything but boring. I was told early on
that this year would be one of the most wonderfully-crazy
years I would ever experience.
And it absolutely has been. And it’s still not
over. The artist’s and fishing buddies, who
have helped push me along the way, are the
only reason I have had the confidence to share
my artwork. Basically a sink or swim scenario.
But specifically the women who have been
working in the industry before me, are the reason
I am welcomed as a woman. It’s no secret
that the sport of fly fishing is male-dominated.
Learning on the rivers in Montana, I was often
the only woman present. But that’s beginning
to change.
Going to the first Fly Fishing Show in
Denver CO, I was beyond nervous. I mean,
truly, so terrified that my artwork would
be completely rejected. But lucky for me I
was going to be part of the new Women’s
Section. The women were incredible,
32 | 33
constantly checking on one another, figuring out
ways that they could support one another, and
eager to share their experiences.
Hearing about the stereotypes and obstacles
these women have pushed through was humbling.
These incredible fly fishing women have done so
much work to make the sport more accessible for
women and young girls. One particular woman
spoke about sharing the sport with a grieving
widow, who was able to reconnect with her late
husband by learning on his fly rod. I was in tears.
I still think someone needs to write a screenplay
to tell that story.
Being a woman in a male dominated environment
can be challenging. But the support of those
with you, and those who have come before you
make the experience extremely rewarding. I
can’t begin to explain how energized I was from
speaking with not just the women, but the men
who were so excited about the growing interest
in women’s fly fishing. In fact, many men brought
up the distinctively positive vibe in the women’s
section compared to the main show. Everyone
felt welcomed there. People were excited to talk
and learn from one another.
This sport is so incredible. It brings communities
of people who care about sustainability, water
quality, and one another. And these are people
who never settle for what has been done. They
always look to better the sport and its impact on
the rest of the world. As an artist, and as a fly
fisherwoman, I am so excited to be a part of such
a progressive group of people.
www.fly-punk.com