Cutthroat Trout, Oil  |  Donald Hamm

THE ART OF FISHING

“Fishing provides that connection with the whole living world. It gives you the opportunity of being totally immersed, turning back into yourself in a good way,” wrote acclaimed poet Ted Hughes. Continuing that it's “a form of meditation, some form of communion with levels of yourself that are deeper than the ordinary self.” Interestingly, if the first word that begins the statement, “Fishing,” was replaced by the word “Art,” the meaning would also be valid. The two activities are conceptually synonymous. Great art, great water, great tackle, great fish, the Okotoks Art Gallery brings you a reflection on this theme in The Art of Fishing, featuring paintings, original prints and glass sculptures.