My Artform
I use a combination of two traditions: The 250 year old Japanese folk art of Gyotaku (“fish rubbing” or creatures of the sea) and the 1200 year old western tradition of botanical/nature printing. (Creatures of the land and air)
The Gyotaku Process
Step 1
The fish specimen is prepared by cleaning it thoroughly and pinning out its fins, and is then covered with high quality, finely ground artists inks.
Step 2
A lightweight archival paper made from the bark of the Paper Mulberry bush is then moistened slightly and
applied directly to the surface of
the fish, and carefully rubbed with finger tips and small tools to gain a clear impression.
Step 3
The resulting image is a perfect
likeness of the surface of the fish. Nature as a printing press!
Step 4
The final print has an illustrated eye added to it, and then finished with a species description, location, red seal and signature.
Nature Printing Process
Step 1
Select your subject. Then take your small roller and roll it back and forth until it is evenly coated.
Step 2
Use both hands. Place one hand on the subject to hold it in place while gently rubbing across the surface
with your other hand. Push down firmly on all your outside edges.
Step 3
Gently pull back on the paper to reveal your image. Touch up your prints with colored pencils that match, or with brush & same ink as print if you'd like.
Step 4
Viola! You have a beautiful print. Use a chop or seal along with signing your piece with a fine tip Sharpie.
