Artist Statement — Sonny East

I’m an artist, fisherman, and blues musician based in Vero Beach, Florida. I was raised in Miami, where my life has always revolved around the ocean and music. I grew up fishing South Florida waters, learning early to respect the sea—not just as a livelihood, but as something that shapes who you are.

Music has been just as constant. I’ve been playing blues guitar since before my training wheels were off, performing throughout South Florida and traveling for gigs wherever the music led. The blues taught me how to listen, how to leave space, and how to let feel lead over perfection. That mindset carries into everything I make.

Fishing has taken many forms in my life—from working charters to selling fresh fish to local markets. Being on the water isn’t a hobby for me; it’s work, tradition, and connection. Along the way, I always found myself drawn to art. Drawing, painting, and experimenting creatively was something I returned to between tides and tours.

I began creating Gyotaku fish prints as a way to honor the fish themselves and the moments spent catching them. What started as experimentation quickly became a natural extension of my life. Using real fish, hand-applied inks, and traditional printing methods, each print captures the texture, movement, and individuality of the species. No two prints are ever the same—each one reflects a specific place, time, and process.

This space is where all of those paths come together. Here you’ll find original fish prints, band merchandise, and information about upcoming shows and events. Everything I share is rooted in lived experience—made by hand, shaped by the ocean, and guided by music.