Attracted to Water: Sarah Landström

Sarah Landström resides in San Francisco and is a graduate from the School of the Artist Institute of Chigago. Being from Michigan, she’s always been attracted to water and while living in Helena, Montana, in 2013, she discovered fly fishing. Ever since fly fishing has shaped her life including her artistic practices and visions.

Full name: Sarah Landström Born: Aurora, IL, USA Occupation: Artist and Nursing Student Home Country: USA Website: www.Sarahlandstrom.com SoMe: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_landstrom/

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into painting?

I didn’t take art seriously until I was in my sophomore year of college in Montana. During my first painting class my professor told me “you need to transfer to an art school” - bold on his part, but it changed the direction of my life. After that, I went to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I only started painting fish because, as you can imagine, Chicago did not provide many opportunities for fly fishing.

Have you developed a special painting technique along the way?

When you start painting, I think it’s really difficult to not hold yourself up to a “realistic painting” standard. I never struggled to replicate but allowing myself to express how I see and feel color was a long transition. Being comfortable with your own style takes time and a lot of trial and error. It was only in the last couple of years where I really trusted my instincts. The process is different for every artist, but for me I just needed to stop overthinking.

What do you aspire to capture with your paintings?

It’s important to me to express my initial feelings when I see a fish, and less about how it actually looks. My sense of color is so intense and exaggerated. When you first see a fish fresh from the water it’s so dazzling. I’ll sometimes laugh when I look back at original pictures and the true colors, but I’m not interested in painting the true colors, I’m interested in capturing my experience.

What has compelled you to paint fish and fly fishing motives?

Originally it was a filler for not being able to fish while in Chicago. Now it’s like I get to continue the loveliness of being out fly fishing while painting in the studio. I’ll have time to reflect while painting and then be able to look back at it years later bringing me back to those moments.

And what’s been really amazing is when others connect to the paintings as well because it relates to their own memories.

How did you get started fly fishing and why?

I was living in Helena, MT and hiking along the Missouri River. I ran into my friend Kathleen who was learning at the time, and I asked to give it a go. It’s hysterical now to look at the photos of me from this day with just full-on spaghetti line in the water, but I was so excited by the concept of a fish rising. It took years before I was confident as a fly fisherwoman, but there’s always more to learn. That’s one of my favorite things about the sport.

Very few women in Europe fly fish. Do you have any advice for women who are curious about getting started fly fishing?

Thankfully most men are very excited about the growing women’s fly fishing community. If you know a friend, relative or just have a fly shop nearby - go ask questions. And don’t be overly proud when you’re starting out. Accept guidance.

There is a big learning curve but it is so worth it. I was pretty hard-headed when I started, and never wanted to accept advice from men, but I would have learned so much faster if I had been humble.

What is it about fly fishing that intrigues you?

I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors, but when I was a kid I was genuinely afraid of fish in lakes while growing up in Michigan. Water is so mysterious. Fly fishing was a great way to understand it more, and understand how to interact with that environment.

It doesn’t hurt that it also brings you to amazing places that you might never go to otherwise. And there is always more water and more to learn.

How do you split your time between fly fishing and painting?

It more depends on where I am. I don’t really enjoy being in the environment and painting because there is too much to be distracted by. But I’ll normally binge on one or the other and switch back and forth. In San francisco, you have the ocean right there and you can make it out for an hour and get your fix. I’ve always been able to find time for both.

In your opinion, do fly fishing and painting complement each other – and if so how?

Absolutely. They’re both so expressive. Presentation in fly fishing reminds me of the way I address painting. And you can always be creative about your approach. The environment is just different - you’re either addressing a canvas or a body of water.

Has fly fishing helped you become a better painter – or vice versa?

I think because they complement each other, it encourages me to grow in both painting and fly fishing. It’s almost like when I’m in the studio, I’m building up excitement for the next time I can get out and fish.

And on the other end, when I’m fishing I’m equally excited to get back and slow down and reflect through painting. They encourage each other, and the more I do both, the better I get.

What are your aspirations as a fly fisher?

Long-term, I really want to make sure to teach as much as possible. One of my favorite things to do in the fly fishing community has been to run programming for women and kiddos.

It’s incredible to share that space with others and see the excitement. There are always opportunities to volunteer or start a new program. And as most of us know, the more people know about sustainable fishing practices, the more people push for conservation.

Do you have any cool projects coming up; fishing- or art wise?

Fly fishing wise, aside from local fishing, I am planning a trip to Mongolia! I was meant to go last year, but now (fingers crossed) I’ll be going early fall. And art wise, I’ve been working on a series of fish while they are still under the water, so it’s heavily reflective and challenging.

Any advice to fellow fly fishers, who aspire to do fish art?

My best advice is to talk to people who are doing things you aspire to do. When I got going and was trying to understand how to approach the fly fishing industry, I spoke with Derek DeYoung. He was also from West Michigan and was so generous with his guidance. Talking with other artists when you’re either coming out of school or just looking to connect is invaluable. And most artists are kind if you approach respectfully.