I couldn’t be more excited to share my interview with Paul Puckett and Hilton Graham on the latest episode of The Sustainable Angler podcast! Paul Puckett and Hilton Graham’s latest collaboration “Time Will Tell” is more than just a film—it’s a meditation on creativity, conservation, and the legacies we leave behind. The documentary, currently touring with the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4), explores Paul’s impact on the fly fishing, outdoor, and creative worlds through his distinctive artwork that has become iconic in fishing culture.
Paul’s journey as an artist began in childhood, where he was constantly drawing and painting. By middle school, his art teachers noticed his obsession with fish as subject matter—something that would become his lifelong artistic focus. Paul recalls how one teacher tried to redirect his interests: “You can’t just paint fish.” Yet this early passion would eventually define his career. After college and stints in Jackson, Wyoming, Atlanta, and finally Charleston, Paul established himself as one of the preeminent artists in the fishing world, with his work being auctioned for significant sums at conservation events like the prestigious One Fly tournament.
The film’s title “Time Will Tell” carries multiple meanings throughout the documentary. Most significantly, it represents Paul’s philosophy that every painting is simply a stepping stone to the next. When asked how long a particular painting took, Paul answers, “It took me 49 years,” reflecting how each work builds upon the accumulated experience and technique of everything that came before. This perspective keeps Paul humble about his impressive body of work, always looking toward what’s next rather than dwelling on past achievements.
Filmmaker Hilton Graham brings his own powerful story to this collaboration. After leaving a career in politics following two battles with cancer, Hilton found his authentic voice in storytelling. His brush with mortality gave him what he describes as “a reset button” that allowed him to leave behind the pursuit of power and refocus on telling meaningful, emotionally resonant stories. His production company, Love Affair Creative (named by his wife just days before he proposed to her), has created award-winning films including “Tension” and “Father Nature” that explore conservation themes through powerful narratives.
Conservation stands at the heart of both men’s work. Paul’s paintings, beyond their aesthetic value, frequently raise substantial funds for conservation efforts. At events like the One Fly tournament, his donated artwork can command $15,000-$20,000, funding efforts that have restored waterways like Spread Creek. Meanwhile, Hilton’s films often explore conservation themes, including the Native American proverb that appears in his work: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.”
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.” – Native American Proverb
For both artists, their work reflects a deep commitment to protecting what they love. Paul’s paintings capture the beauty of fishing landscapes, inspiring new generations while generating resources for conservation. Hilton’s films educate through storytelling, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems and our responsibility to future generations. Together, they demonstrate how art and film can serve as powerful vehicles for conservation messaging, connecting audiences emotionally to environmental causes.
“Time Will Tell” represents the convergence of these creative paths—a film about an artist, made by an artist of a different medium, both using their talents to celebrate and protect the natural world. The documentary serves as both a tribute to Paul’s artistic legacy and a call to consciousness about our environmental responsibilities. As the film tours with IF4, it brings these messages to audiences nationwide, inspiring viewers to consider their own relationship with nature and the legacy they wish to leave.
Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy. Also, thanks to Paul and Hilton for sharing their story’s, and special thanks to Paul for all he has done for me professionally, and personally. I am forever grateful. Watch the full episode below:
