Wikipedia defines Gyotaku as:
Japanese from “gyo” (fish) and “taku” (rubbing)
Gyotaku is a traditional form of Japanese fish printing, dating from the mid 1800’s.
It is a form of nature printing used by fishermen to record their catches.
There are two methods used in Gyotaku.
The direct approach is the best way to do Gyotaku. In order to make a Gyotaku print, one places the subject (fish, crab, scallop shell…) on a wooden bench and paints one side with sumi ink.
Modern Gyotaku artists often substitute acrylic or other painting material for the traditional sumi ink.

Gyotaku is practiced as a form of art and is very popular among young children.

As an Asian art form believed to originate in the early 1800’s in Japan, the fisherman would create Gyotaku to preserve the record of their catch. The oldest Gyotaku was found in Japan in 1862. Lord Sakai of the Yamagata prefecture made a big catch in one night, and to preserve the memory, prints were made of a large red sea bream. The actual artist is unknown.

Traditionally prints were made on rice paper using a carbon based sumi ink. If done correctly, the artist can reproduce a very accurate rendering of the fish in great detail. These prints can be framed, mounted, or copied to other forms of art.

Most of my artwork is representative of the indigenous River and Sea life in Florida. The ink is applied to produce the most accurate recreation of the color of the fish. I first became interested in Gyotaku while working as an Art Therapist in a school based program for special needs students. As a reward, students weekly earned fishing trips to the Sebastian Inlet. I would print the catch for the students. They were wonderful souvenirs of their reward.

Gyotaku has evolved into an art form that blends the love of fish and sea life with beautiful art. The actual fish is carefully painted with nontoxic water based inks. Then the delicate rice paper or fabric is pressed upon the specimen. When lifted, a detailed mirror image of the subject is revealed. I have developed my own “rubbing” technique in my studio where I create custom Gyotaku prints and other gift items.

Fishing Tournaments are one of my favorite places to go find beautiful specimens of trophy fish. I have donated my services to the sport fisherman in the area tournaments. Many people have found that remembering their catch in an art form that can enhance home décor is preferable to the more traditional mounting of the fish. I am a member of the International Game Fish Association and have cosponsored fishing tournaments throughout the State of Florida.

I also have items for sale in my gallery and area shops. A percentage of all proceeds are donated to charitable organizations.

My creations include the actual sized fish print, postcards, note cards and other objects.

I have donated my creations for Fund Raising Activities for CASA, and worked with the Indian River Museum of Art Outreach by facilitating workshops in Gyotaku for children.

Please click HERE to go to the next page to visit my Gyotaku Gallery..