GONE FISHING

“Gone Fishing” By Nick Ringelstetter

This popular piece, created in 2011, is simplistic in style as well as in meaning. When Nick was younger he was passionate about fishing, and you could find him on the river almost every single day. He put the majority of his money into having the best equipment so that he could catch the biggest fish. But over the years as Nick grew and began to gain perspective in life his mindset began to change.

The biggest revelation about his favorite hobby came with Nick’s cousin Travis Ringelstetter, the day that he stopped by Nick’s childhood with a case of beer and the plan to go fishing. This seemed asinine to Nick because it was hard to comprehend how he would have a successful fishing trip if he were under the influence. In time Nick began to realize that his cousin wasn’t out there to be the best, but rather to use fishing as a way to escape the day-to-day stresses of life.

As Nick has perused his career and grown all too familiar with the pressures one can face in this world, he remembers this moment fondly. It was then that he realized what a wonderful stress reliever fishing can be, and that is beautifully depicted in this piece.

It would seem that everyone has their own interpretation of this piece, but to Nick it’s a reminder of the gift that his cousin unknowingly gave him, the gift of perspective. This painting tells us that sometimes it’s okay to relax and take a break from it all. Even if the aliens come down from the heavens above, they probably have more important things to do, so you need not worry. This is your time, whatever happens in the world around you is none of your concern because you are allowed to be at peace.