GYO = FISH - TAKU = IMPRESSION
PRONOUNCE IT - "GHEE - OH - TAH - KOO"
This page should interest those
persons who want to try their hand at fish printing. Read this F.A.Q,
together with our instructive Demonstration page to learn how to make
an original fish print.
CAN I LEARN TO MAKE A FISH RUBBING?
With a few simple supplies and a good printing fish you'll be able to create a pleasing print. Let your children print as well. (Make sure they use water base ink or water colors). Start them out using leaves, shells, and feathers, etc.
IS AN ACTUAL FISH USED?
YES. - You can use the next fish that you catch, or you can purchase a fish. I get some of mine from sport fishermen, from fish markets, and from marine biologists. The range is unlimited, considering that there are over 20,000 species of fish. For the beginner who doesn't want to hunt for a fish to print, and prefers to avoid the mess of real fish, Nasco has your answer. They can supply a one sided fish replica on which to practice.
CAN A FISH BE USED FOR MORE THAN ONE PRINT?
Yes. As a matter of fact, several
practice prints should be made using newsprint before turning to the better
papers. If the fish is durable, and lends itself well to printing,
a variety of prints may be taken, each being considered an original.
HOW DO I START?
With your fish! Wash it thoroughly
to remove all mucous and dirt. Try using a Scotch Cleanser or Soft
Scrub, being careful not to disturb the scales. Remove the eye. It can
be painted in later using water colors. Before starting to print, dry
the fish off completely making sure that all openings, like the anus and gills,
are plugged with cotton or paper towels to keep moisture and unwanted
stains off of your print.
WHAT KIND OF PAPER SHOULD I USE?
Handmade papers (usually from Japan) are preferred. The rich textures and colors and the deckled edges make the paper itself a work of art. I would suggest that you start with an inexpensive paper like newsprint. Practice with that until you are comfortable with the results. Then move on to the better papers to produce a finer look to your prints.
WHAT ABOUT BRUSHES AND INK?
Block printing ink
(either oil based or water based will work fine) will
give you the best results because it is formulated for "relief" printing.
Water based inks are easier to clean up and don't require paint thinner. Use
a 1/2 to 1 inch water color brush to apply the ink. A soft rubber brayer
could also be used to apply the ink. An excellent
source for brushes, inks and paper is the Daniel Smith Catalog. To get a catalog,
call 1-800-426-7923.
MANY OF THE QUESTIONS THAT REMAIN, might well be answered by viewing the demonstration
page. That page illustrates the fish rubbing process, step by step. When
you have completed the "demo." page, you should be equipped with enough
information to create your own "Gyotaku". All you need now is experience.
You should know what the end result will look like, so now is the time to visit
one of the galleries here on the web, where you will find some examples
of Gyotaku.
For more information about Lori's Fish prints
Phone: (360) 734-6721