Hilton shares his extraordinary journey from political operative to documentary filmmaker after surviving cancer twice and receiving a life-changing stem cell transplant that he calls his "rebirth." This profound reset led him to abandon the pursuit of power for the authentic storytelling that now defines his award-winning films like "Tension" and "Father Nature."
Meanwhile, Paul reveals how his lifelong obsession with drawing fish began in middle school and eventually became his artistic signature. His philosophy that "every painting is a stepping stone" captures his humble approach to a body of work that has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for conservation efforts over the years.
The conversation weaves through the making of "Time Will Tell," which documents Paul's artistic impact on the fly fishing world and features his work being inducted into the American Museum of Fly Fishing. With filming locations spanning from Jackson Hole to the Florida Keys to Vermont, the documentary represents a beautiful convergence of two artists using their gifts to inspire others.
What emerges most powerfully is their shared commitment to conservation – not just as a concept but as a legacy. As Hilton notes through a Native American proverb featured in his work: "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children." It's a reminder that whether through paint or film, their creative work serves something larger than themselves.
Check out "Time Will Tell" at the International Fly Fishing Film Festival, and discover more from these talented creators at paulpuckettart.com and loveaffaircreative.com.

This episode of The Sustainable Angler podcast is brought to you by Emerger Strategies, and and A New Earth Project - The Sustainability Initiative of Atlantic Packaging.