Shelly Marshall

Among other things, Shelly Marshall is an artist, biologist, mother, and angler. Her work is inspired by growing up and fishing the white sand beaches of Florida with her father, and only grew once moving to Alaska with her husband and fishing for Pacific Salmon and trout. 

Her artwork is a combination of scientific illustrations and beautiful scenic designs; capturing salmon, trout and other fish species better than many we have seen. From creating custom commission requests to designing stickers, mugs, artwork and supporting conservation efforts, Shelly’s work is outstanding.

Read more about what inspires Shelly and her work below!

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I am a Florida native and grew up alongside the ocean. This instilled a love for all ocean critters! Since moving to Alaska my love for fishing, conservation, and art has only increased!

How did you first become interested in art?

My mom went to school for microbiology and cell science. She homeschooled me, and I often accompanied her in the field after our class studies. Some of my favorite days were when my mom would bring the microscope to the beach and we would analyze the zooplankton and phytoplankton in the water. Part of my homework was drawing what they looked like in my field notebook. My mom encouraged me to draw and record my observations in my notebook, which may have sparked the beginning of my love for scientific illustration. I fell in love with marine biology, and I ended up going to school for it. Along the way, my favorite part of my studies was keeping field notes and illustrating the species that we would find. Now, I have combined my passions for marine biology and illustrating in my artwork.

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What about fishing inspires you as an artist? / Why fish? What inspired your work within the fishing industry?

Shortly after starting my art business I accepted a job with the Marine Resources Department in Pensacola Florida. I helped manage fish habitat restoration projects after the tragic BP oil spill. One of our projects required, I kid you not, a deep sea fishing trip annually to check on species diversity and potential levels of toxins in meat tissue. I realized on these trips I absolutely loved fishing. 

After 3 years working in Florida, my husband, Dave, joined the Alaska Army National Guard and we relocated to Anchorage Alaska. I accepted a job at the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery. My boss, Molly McCarthy, became a good friend and taught me all things salmon. She is also one of the coolest Alaskans you’ll ever meet. She taught me how to fish for salmon of all species, how to watch the tides, the type of gear needed, and how to fillet and cook salmon. Molly is also an incredibly intelligent salmon biologist and reviewed my scientific illustrations when I started drawing Pacific salmon for scientific accuracy. My husband and I then moved to Juneau, Alaska where I worked for the hatchery and learned even more about salmon and salmon fishing in Alaska! 

It became a cycle, the more I fished, the more inspired I became in drawing these species and educating people on them. I wanted everyone to know how important the role salmon and other fish species play in the environment and why we should make efforts to conserve them. 

Do you have an art ritual of sorts?

I don’t have any sort of fun rituals but I do know, if I’m ever feeling stuck or uninspired, I go fishing…works every time!

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What type of art/medium do you create?

I use watercolor pencils for my scientific illustrations and acrylic paint for my artistic paintings. 

How long have you been practicing in this medium?

Roughly 6 years, but consistently for the past 4 years.

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How has your style changed over time?

I’d say it’s changed in the fact that all of my pieces have a purpose now, either to educate, promote conservation, or capture a memory of someone’s favorite fishing trip to remember forever. 

What art trends currently inspire your work?

I’m not sure if I follow any art trends, I just like to paint what I see. If it’s not an experience I’ve had, I try to capture the experience of my client.  I’ll ask for photographs, stories, and what is important to them about the experience. I want those memories to be encapsulated for them.

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Is your artwork a full-time job, or do you have a daily gig too? / How do you manage your work-life balance as an artist?

This year, I made the transition to become a full time artist! It’s been absolutely amazing as I also became a mother this year. It’s still tough to balance, but I am able to go with the flow of painting and taking care of the little guy. 

Before this year, balancing art and life was much harder. Coming home from a day job to work on a commission while your friends are out doing fun things. It was exhausting, but I did it with a goal in mind to be where I am today, and it was worth it. I think if you ask any other full time artist, they will agree, the journey to get here is very difficult.

Favorite fish to paint/draw/create?

Okay,  this is a difficult one! But it’s hard to beat the spawning sockeye salmon. The bright reds and greens are just too fun to create.

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Most artfully inspiring place you have fished?

Probably Sweetheart creek! I love wild Alaska and watching the fish jump while  bears are also fishing just  a few feet away. Coho fishing at Sheep Creek where it’s wide open and you can see the fish you’re casting towards, the fight they put up makes for an amazing fishing day in the neighborhood as well. Fishing for halibut with humpback whales swimming around is also up there!

What was your first fishing experience?

Fishing for Pompano on white sandy Florida beaches with my dad!

When did you begin fishing?

 I did a little here and there growing up, but I got serious about it four years ago. And, two years ago I started fly fishing, which has been a new exciting adventure!

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What is it that draws you to fishing and creating art around the sport?

I liked fishing before, but I really fell in love when I started fly fishing. It became a challenge that integrated two of my favorite things: fish and being outside, plus with the added bonus of dinner and new inspiration for artwork.

Who is your biggest inspiration/mentor both in art and personally? How did they impact your life?

From the art community, Paul Vecsei, his detailed fish drawings are something I aspire to! Personally, my parents, I hope I’m as humble and sweet as them one day. My friends who inspire me everyday to try new things and to never let the world tell you can’t do something! (I.e. you’ll never make money being an artist, you’ll never be able to be a mom and achieve your life goal, etc…)

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Do you listen to anything when you are creating art? If so, what?

Yes! I love audiobooks. I love adventure stories such as the Endurance and The Cruelest Miles. They are some of the most amazing true stories out there in my opinion! Especially if you are an Alaskan!

 Where can people find your artwork?

My artwork can be found on my webpage: www.shellartstudio.com 

Instagram: @shellartstudio

Email: Shelly@shellartstudio.com

Any parting thoughts you’d like us to add?

I’m very thankful to the Lord for all the opportunities he has given to me. I’m open to commission requests and also working with conservation groups to help raise money for fisheries conservation. Feel free to email me if you want to work together!

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The Fly Fishing Journeys staff members have a culmination of passion and knowledge about the sport. They bring ability and know how, as well as experience on the water and working in the fly fishing industry. Their goal is to raise awareness and help educate anglers of any level about the sport, the industry, and how to best enjoy yourselves on and off the water. The mission at Fly Fishing Journeys is to be your go-to resource for all things fly fishing. The staff does this by connecting the fly fishing community with worldwide media content, sharing experiences, education, and stories.

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