Gnarly Fish Prints

Local resident Harley Van Hyning can often be seen around town doing a little bit of everything. His business card says “Professional Beach Bum” and most days he can be found out on the beaches of Destin. From bartending at Pompano Joe’s to his own Podcast as well as surfing and traveling, he’s a busy guy! You may have seen him recently at the Seafood Festival in a tent for his current venture: Gnarly Fish Prints. This was his first event showcasing his work and it turned out to be a great success.

Destin is known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” so it’s not unusual to see a number of lines out in the water all hours of the day. While most people bring those fish right from water to the table, Harley has discovered a growing middle step of "fish rubbing”. While it’s common to see trophy fish mounted in homes as a remembrance of a great day, the art of fish prints is another way to memorialize a special catch. This centuries-old Japanese art form known as Gyotaku brings together two things people on the Emerald Coast love: fishing and art. Once a fish is caught, the fish itself is painted and then imprinted onto a canvas where Harley’s creative side can take over to make one-of-a-kind prints. Harley has experimented with all types and sizes of fish and recently printed a swordfish that was over 300 lbs. Framed and unframed work are available for purchase that can be an ideal memento of your Destin vacation or the perfect addition to your beach home. To stay up-to-date with Harley’s adventures, go here.

Published on Tuesday, October 18, 2016