On a Fly Fishing Journey with Art Merk

On a Fly Fishing Journey with

Art Merk

Join us as we pick the brain of Art Merk, a seasoned fly fisherman and artisan from Lithuania. From childhood explorations to the pursuit of elusive Atlantic/Baltic salmon, Art Merk delves into the unique challenges and joys that define his angling adventures. Beyond the riverbanks, he unveils the origins of his leather craftsmanship, explaining how a desire to break free from the monotony of office life led to the creation of extraordinary fly fishing accessories. Discover the blend of practicality and artistry as Art Merk discusses his approach to transforming leather into functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces for fellow fly anglers. As we navigate through his experiences, Art Merk’s passion for the sport and commitment to his craft shine through, offering insights into the mind of an angler and artist who has found his rhythm between the rippling waters and the artful strokes of leatherwork.

By THE EDITORIAL STAFF
Pictures: ART MERK

Can you begin by telling us a little bit about yourself?

Hello, well, I introduce myself as Art Merk, as my original name, Arturas Merkevicius, is a bit complicated to memorize for my international friends and customers. I am 39 years old with more than 20 years of fly fishing experience and over 8 years already making fly fishing accessories using leather and traditional leather craft methods and techniques. Like most of us, I started fishing during my childhood. I think I was around 6-7 years old at that time. I started with coarse fishing in some small ponds beside our old summer house, and then gradually, I was introduced - by my father - to spin fishing for pike and perch. Eventually, my dream would come true – and I would graduate into becoming a fly fisherman.

How did you get started fly fishing? -and why?

During my teenage years, I had my inaugural experience with a fly rod. Guided by a seasoned fly fisherman on a fishing expedition, I was entrusted with an old D.A.M. rod—unfortunately, I broke it that day, having no clue about casting. Despite the mishap, the allure of fly fishing gripped me, overshadowing the simplicity of spin fishing. In an instant, I realized the kind of angler I aspired to be and discovered my true passion. However, obtaining fly fishing gear in those days was not as convenient or affordable as it is now. Recognizing this, I resolved to assemble my own fly fishing set by venturing abroad during my student days. At the age of 19, during a summer break in the US, I seized the opportunity to explore the country and acquired my inaugural, budget-friendly fly fishing set from Sage. I truly relished the experience and it became the beginning of my personal odyssey into the world of fly fishing.

What is it about fly fishing that captivates you?

Primarily, it was the embrace of a RIVER that captivated me long before the allure of fly fishing took hold. This revelation occurred during a spin fishing excursion when I ventured to a small stream flowing from a pond where our day-long efforts yielded little success.

Out of curiosity, I decided to explore this stream for the sheer enjoyment of it. Casting my line, I witnessed an instantaneous response as a flash signaled a fish attempting to strike my lure. From that pivotal moment, the coursing waters seized me with an overwhelming passion. From the outset, fly fishing struck me as the most sophisticated, intelligent, and mysterious approach to angling. Though my understanding has deepened over time, exploring new locations or targeting different fish species continually emphasizes the need to grasp the intricacies of nature and fish behavior in each specific setting.

Thus, at the inception of my fly fishing journey, I recognized the imperative to delve into the nuances of fish behavior, life cycles, climate, rivers, and both surface and subsurface insects—a prospect that thrilled me immensely. Subsequently, delving into fly tying became a natural progression.

Since then, I refrain from using other anglers’ flies when gifted with one. Instead, I preserve it in my friend’s fly box as a token of memory and inspiration, never affixing it to the tippet. For me, the ultimate satisfaction lies in catching a fish on a fly crafted with my own hands.

What are your favourite species to catch and why?

After 20 years of fly fishing and targeting different fish species like grayling, chub, perch, pike, brown trout, seatrout, and salmon, I can say – without a doubt - that Atlantic/Baltic salmon is my favourite species.

Expressing the essence of the experience proves challenging within the confines of a few sentences, but key aspects can be distilled.

Firstly, the unique challenge of targeting a fish species like salmon, known for its non-feeding behavior, demands a comprehensive understanding. It goes beyond mere knowledge of the fish’s preferred prey at a given time. Secondly, engaging in salmon fishing elicits a profound mental struggle, a continuous internal battle to decipher the code of this elusive creature.

The surge of adrenaline and relief when feeling the tension on your fly, marking the commencement of the struggle, induces an instantaneous quiver in the legs. The sheer size and formidable strength of salmon ensure that each encounter unfolds as a dramatic and distinct scenario.

Another fish species that captivates me is the brown trout. Pursuing them in the spring allows me to intimately connect with nature, observing the transformative shift from a winter coat to the vibrant vitality of spring. Both brown trout and salmon, residing in some of the most picturesque locations on earth, add an extra layer of allure to the pursuit.

When did you get started making products for fly fishermen?

I started leatherwork around my 30s. At that time, I had an ordinary office job. I was a marketing department manager at that time, and although it can sound like an interesting job, the fact of working Monday - Friday 8-17 was killing me inside. At that time, I realized that my real-life passion is fly fishing and if I continued the same routine, I would fall into depression. Therefore, I started to think about how I could contribute to the fly fishing community, and I came up with this idea of making extraordinary fly wallets and other fly fishing accessories because fly fishing for me has always been extraordinary itself. This is how my leatherwork was born.

What skill-sets do you use? -and does it relate to your educational background?

The leatherwork I do is self-taught. My educational background is in marketing. But I have always been very creative and into arts, like painting, drawing, etc.

So, once I found a leather crafts master who introduced me to leatherwork and showed the basics, I started to create leather accessories in my mind, like ideas I wanted to accomplish. And with lots of experimenting and getting deeper into the leather craft, also finding my own style of leatherwork, I can now present the accessories as they are.

“The act of carving salmon or trout on leather, meticulously shaping their eyes and jaws, is a particularly gratifying aspect”

One of the most important reasons why the accessories, especially the fly wallets I make, are the most advanced in the market is that, as a passionate fly fisherman, I am able to assess every decision I make in the stage of production, from the practical perspective. So, the accessories I make are not only beautiful and nice to hold but also work the best way possible in real outdoor conditions.

What are the most important things you aim at when making your fly fishing art and products?

My primary goal is to convert leather, a raw material, into a product that fulfills its intended purpose seamlessly. When crafting a fly wallet, my objective is to ensure it adheres to all essential criteria for fly anglers.

This involves being water-resistant, precisely sized, constructed from non-rusty materials, durable, and adept at safeguarding flies.

While leather possesses inherent beauty and a sense of luxury, I believe in transcending mere aesthetics. Creating a leather item that not only exudes elegance but also proves practical in real outdoor conditions is a formidable and demanding challenge. I am confident that my endeavors have successfully achieved this delicate balance.

What kind of artwork do you most enjoy doing?

My predominant artistic inclination lies in painting. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised at the inception of my journey into leatherwork by the realization that I could seamlessly integrate painting and even sculpture techniques into the craft.

While traditional painting on paper involves creating spatial depth through the interplay of colors, working with leather offers a unique canvas to enhance tactile experiences.

The ability to incorporate texture, emboss intricate details, and engage in the sculptural process brings immense joy.

The act of carving salmon or trout on leather, meticulously shaping their eyes and jaws, is a particularly gratifying aspect. Concluding the creative process by adorning the template with stamped dots and meticulously coloring them feels akin to a celebratory culmination of artistic expression.

Where can people find your products and more info?

I primarily operate online. You can easily reach me through my website or on various social media platforms. Additionally, I make it a point to attend numerous fly fairs across Europe. This, I believe, presents the optimal opportunity to connect with me in person. At these events, you can not only explore the accessories I craft but also physically engage with them—holding them, closely inspecting their details, and experiencing the exquisite texture of the leather firsthand.

On a lighter note, I often jest that you might unexpectedly encounter me at the riverbank. It’s not uncommon for chance meetings with fellow fly fishermen, where casual conversations lead to them unveiling my crafted fly wallets from their pockets—a delightful testament to the shared passion for the art and sport of fly fishing.

Website: www.artmerkstudio.com

Email: art@artmerkstudio.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/art.merk/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/artmerkartworks