Best Destin Fishing Memories Thanks to Gnarly Fish Prints

If you're coming fishing in the World's Luckiest Fishing Village, consider a special special souvenir that captures your memories from your Destin vacation? An original Gnarly Harley Fish Print. After meeting Harley Van Hyning in person, we were “wowed”! Here’s an excerpt about his art form in our lastest issue of Where you’d rather Be Magazine: 

“On a pretty day in Destin, Harley Van Hyning can be found on the docks, a freshly caught fish in one hand, a paintbrush in the other. For over five years Van Hyning has practiced Gyotaku, the ancient Japanese art of creating prints of fish by painting their bodies then pressing the image onto paper. Destin, known as the world’s luckiest fishing village, has been the perfect place to carry on the craft. Van Hyning works mostly at Destin Harbor, painting fish coming in off the fishing boats. People returning from charter fishing trips often have him record their most-prized catches. Or, if he sees a really unique fish come in, he asks to paint it.

Growing up in the area, Van Hyning has always loved the water, learning to fish and surf at a young age. Pairing that love with his work as an artist has been an incredible experience.

 “I've been a biology nerd and into everything from the water for as long as I can remember,” he said. “With Gyotaku, I get to learn about all the different species and feel great respect for the fish, see the beauty in each one.”

 Van Hyning’s style of Gyotaku is not strictly traditional. He developed his own approach using acrylic and linen. Some prints he leaves raw, to others he adds flourishes or details of his own. His work, under the name Gnarly Fish Prints, has gotten attention recently, including being shown at ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival and the Destin Seafood Festival.”

Continue reading this story online in Where you’d rather Be Digital Magazine. 

Or to learn more or schedule a Gnarly Fish Print of your own, visit GnarlyFishPrints.com. 

Are you inspired to book your next Destin Vacation? View our collection of Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.