Tina Lewis left a high standing corporate position in pharmaceuticals to create custom nets and fly boxes, enhancing them with custom illustrations. When Covid hit the world, it changed everything for Tina. With the national career shifting trend, Tina found herself a new life pursuit in the arts, and created Wayward Trading Post.
Growing up, Tina’s weekends were spent with her grandfather who worked for the PA Fish & Boat Commission in Philly. You could say that she has been drawn to the outdoors, fishing, and creating artwork for her entire life. Tina has now found a place for her passions to collide and come together as one. Tina is up for the challenge of creating new and creative custom pieces that will last generations.
What type of art/medium do you create?
Fly Fishing Net Maker, Craftsman and Artist.
Tell us a bit about your background… Where are you from and how did that inspire your net building career, or when did you first become interested in it?
My family’s Philadelphia roots go back a few generations. I grew up here and it may not seem like a place where someone would be drawn to the wilderness. Most people don’t know how accessible the outdoors are from the city. I spend my weekends shooting archery with my dad or with my Pop Pop who worked for the fish and wildlife commission.
Art was always my focus growing up. As it so happens with most people, I got pulled into the corporate world and wasn’t able to chase my passion as much as I had liked. I had dabbled with a few different business ideas but when I did my first illustration on a landing net, I knew it was special.
What about fishing inspires you as an artist? / What inspired your work within the fishing industry?
The community responds to good art. They respond to the effort an artist is willing to exert. I always loved that about the fly fishing community. The heat and equipment is beautiful, and it is the anglers’ that are to blame. They support independent artists and I think that is really important
We have always had a woodshop and our friends often ask us to make projects for them. A family friend asked for a landing net and when I saw the final net I was inspired by the possibility. Nets are a great canvas.
Do you have any rituals of sorts while you create your nets? Alternatively, are there any art trends currently inspire your work?
My finishing process is pretty therapeutic. I kick on my headphones. All of the anxiety inducing parts of the process are over and done with. All that is left is the end result and I can enjoy what I have made before it goes to its final home. To finish the river nets I use wax and oil emulsification that I brew up in the shop and the whole room smells amazing.
How long have you been building nets?
Nets specifically have been a 2 to 3 year project. Before that I was doing giant macrame installations, and before that I was focusing on charcoal art. It has always been something.
How has your style changed over time?
The detail has evolved over time. My first inlay, which is now the company logo actually, was a simple trout silhouette with a bear in it that my husband and creative partner designed. I recently did an abstract psychedelic Jimmy Hendrix tribute net, so there has been a steep but fun learning curve. I have people send me pictures of their dogs and ask for portraits and things like that which is always really amazing.
The inlay part of this project is somewhat uncharted when you consider the canvas I have to work with.
How do you manage your work-life balance as an artist? / Is building nets a full-time job, or do you have a daily gig too?
There is really no balance at this point. I literally just work all the time. ‘No days off’ as they say. Don’t get it twisted though, I am having an absolute blast.
What is your preferred wood/materials for net building?
The classic wayward landing net is made out of a walnut center, Cherry accents, and it has a hickory and walnut hoop. Structurally speaking, that is a net that will survive long enough to be a family heirloom. The species and construction are such a good weight to strength ratio that I have to give it a win. It is strong enough to drive a nail but it won’t weigh you down.
Where do you source your materials from?
We source our materials from central Pennsylvania lumber suppliers. PA has some of the best hardwood stock in the world. It is an odd thing to be proud of unless you work with wood for a living. I suppose we have the best lumber yards and riverways. It really must be tough for folks who don’t live in the beautiful commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Most artfully inspiring place you have fished?
Most of my art stems from memories and feelings. I will never forget fishing with my dad in Chester Creek growing up. Although I don’t know that a pro angler would consider scooping minnows in a net, “fishing.” But that is my genesis and every time I am hiking or walking in a river, I think of that.
What was your first fishing experience? / When did you begin fly fishing?
My first real fishing experience was with my dad and pop pop at a local Wildlife Refuge by the Philly airport. My pop was hosting an event for people to get their fishing licenses. He hooked me and my brother up with fishing licenses and took us out on a little paddle boat. He was decked out in his full uniform and we felt so cool.
Fly fishing came much later during the pandemic. It was really cool to connect with such a familiar sport in such a different way. Fly fishing is so challenging, I am always learning new things.
What is it that draws you to fishing and net building?
I wanted to make functional art that people would appreciate. The biggest draw is hearing from customers whose minds are blown by an art piece I inlay. I just did a guy’s full life story in images. It had his old navy battleship on it and that led into his cabin which led into Disney world and on and on. What a crazy responsibility to be given. I love it.
Who is your biggest inspiration/mentor both personally and professionally? How did they impact your life?
This has changed from time to time in my life. Justin has been my biggest inspiration through this part of my journey.
Do you listen to anything when you are building nets? If so, what?
All the time. If you are spending your day in the woodshop and your earbuds aren’t charged then you’ve made a grave error. I listen to Podcasts and music about stories.
My life would be empty without music so I built a psychedelic Jimi Hendrix tribute all the way down the handle. It took an enormous amount of time, but it turned out to be the tribute to Hendrix I wanted and the best reward for myself.
Where can people find your artwork? (Retail store, online store, social media handles, etc)
Shop: www.CustomFlyfishingnets.com
Instagram: @Waywardwoodshop
Any parting thoughts you’d like us to add?
I hope you all read this and get the itch to build something.
