Full disclosure...I asked ChatGPT to suggest unique art forms that I could write about for the self-promoted "month of unfamiliar art" theme. When I saw Gyotaku on the list, I knew I had a winner because I definitely was unfamiliar with that word. But then I learned it's the Japanese word for fish printing (gyo ="fish" and taku = "rubbing"). I know what fish prints are! I love those! And now, unlike scratchboard or paper quilling art that I wrote about earlier in the month, I have a new-to-me art practice I am definitely going to try.
Let's start with some examples. No, wait. Let's start with trivia, then examples. Fish printing has been around for centuries and began as a practical way for fishermen to record the size and variety of fish they caught (photographs weren't an option). Once source I found stated this practice continues in some Japanese tackle shops today.
Four Gyotaku Artists
Okay, now the examples. You can see a wide variety of fish prints on this Pinterest board. You'll notice traditional black and white prints as well and full color versions. You'll see different levels of detail, various compositions, many varieties of fish and other sea creatures like octopus (those are my favorites!). There are a couple of different approaches to gyotaku (I'll get to those in a minute) and that lends to the variety. Beyond that, the artist's creativity is was what makes each print special. Let me introduce you to four artisans I "met" on the internet.
Dwight Hwang | dwiaghtwang.com
In this Los Angeles Times article, Dwight is introduced as a former, burnt-out movie and film industry professional. He found a new calling in gyotaku that gave him time back with his family (his wife and son work with him). He also uses his art to raise awareness of fishery issues. He uses sumi ink and washi paper, intentionally staying true to the classic technique. In the article he states, "[Gyotaku is] essentially the Japanese version of taxidermy." By the way, the home page on Dwight's website features a beautiful video of him making an octopus print!
Gyotaku: Fish Printing by ROANOKE (2:55). This is beautiful production featuring Dwight.
Joe Higgins | fishedimpressions.com
Joe's Fresh Fish Prints is an online and brick and mortar store featuring Joe's art as well as fish printing classes, kits, and social events. Joe was creative director in advertising before he picked up his obsession with fish printing (you can see that reflected in his website). I think you'll enjoy his fish printing origin story and he also offers a tutorial about how to get started yourself. "There's no one way to make a fish print but here's how I do it."
Linda Heath | lindahealthfishrubs.com
Linda is a Floridian, a fisher, and a diver. Her gallery includes both large and small prints. She uses water soluble sumi ink and rice paper. She notes, "The last step is to paint the eye, adding a white dot in the center which some believe gives the fish back it's soul."
Naoki Hayashi | gyotaku.com
This gentleman lives in a Hawaii, is a fisher and a diver, and started making fish prints as a young boy. He uses non-toxic acrylic paints and Japanese shoji paper. Naoki's prints reflect true-to-life color. Out of his respect for ocean life, he only creates gyotaku art from fish that will be eaten. "Catch, Print, Eat."
"GRAY SNAPPER" Gyotaku with Naoki, Gyotaku Naoki Style (4:44). Naoki shows his process and adds meaning to gyotaku.
How to Gyotaku
I've read multiple articles that describe gyotaku as simple but not easy. All you need to get started is a fresh, usually dead fish, some paper, and ink. It gets harder from there; practice is the solution to making it easier and better. (Read Joe's story linked above.)
Tools and Supplies
Fish. You'll note that the artists above all have easy access to fresh caught fish, living near large bodies of water where fish swim. I'm going to see what I can find in local markets near me. (I did read a reference to printing a fish purchased at Whole Foods.) Before I buy one though, I need Bob's commitment to clean it and cook it after I'm done printing it.
Another option is to purchase fish replicas (like these from Blick) made specifically for printing. They provide a nice way to practice without all the aroma and slime that comes with real fish.
Paper. Sumi, Rice Paper, Washi, Xuan, and Kozo (paid link) are all names or types of paper described as appropriate for fish printing. When I tried to learn about the differences between them, I came across this article that begins with, "There is no difference. End of the article." It goes on to explain that the papers are all very similar but made with different plant fibers or come from a different place in the world. What they have in common is that they are thin and easy to form around the fish. Rice paper is probably the most familiar in the west. It's made from mulberry fibers, not rice.
Newsprint can also work for fish printing. (It's also good for covering your mess-making workspace.) Fabric is an option, too, but I won't go into the details of that here.
Ink. As with paper, you have a lot of ink choices with gyotaku. It should be water-soluble and non-toxic (remember that eating the fish after printing is the norm). Sumi ink is traditional in Japanese art. Cuttlefish ink, squid ink, (paid link) and India ink are all options. Non-toxic acrylic paint will work, too.
Ink applicators. The inking process varies from artist to artist. Many paint the ink on the fish with a brush. You can also use a brayer, a sponge, cotton, or your fingers.
Composition aids. To get the fish to look its best, you might need to pin the fins in position. Printing can also be a little easier and cleaner if you support the fins and/or tail with blocks or foam or clay or the like (keeping all parts of the fish level and in place). A toothpick can prop open the fish's mouth. Most recommend removing the fish eye and filling that hole with cotton. (The fish eye is painted in after printing as Naoki demonstrates in the video linked above.)
Printing process
The videos above and the one below do an excellent job of showing the traditional and most common gyotaku technique but understand there are three different fish printing methods.
Direct: This is the traditional method of applying ink to the fish, covering it with paper, and rubbing and pressing to get the ink onto the paper.
Indirect: This involves adhering the paper (or fabric like silk) to the fish so that the detail of the fish form and texture are revealed in relief. Then ink is carefully applied to the paper or fabric, capturing the detail. This method is much harder than direct printing but results in a more precise print.
Transfer: With this method, ink is applied to the fish and then a nylon or poly material is pressed onto the fish to pick up the ink. After carefully removing the inked transfer material, the print is transferred to a hard surface (a piece of wood, for example). This is a lesser-used technique.
How to print a Gyotaku Step by Step by Planet Tuna (4:20). Really nice demonstration.
More...I came across this how-to article from my home state of Iowa. Just had to share.
Gyotaku - Fun Fish Art Made Easy, Iowa Outdoors, July/ August 2007
To gyotaku or not to gyotaku?
As I stated at the beginning of this post, I am definitely going to give this artform a try. I want to mention that Bob and I will be moving to a little town called Fish Haven about a year from now. I can't help but envision our own little studio and shop...Bob & Kristen's Fish Prints, Fish Haven's Finest Fish Printery. (I'll keep working on the name and the marketing.)
What about you? Let me know if you gyotaku.
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