LORI'S NATURE PRINTS

Gyotaku is the art and technique of Japanese fish rubbing.  I like to refer to it as "nature printing". By definition, nature printing is simply using pigments to transfer images of natural objects. ( i.e. fish, shells, plants etc.)  These are basically relief prints from nature.  One printer referred to it as "Using templates from the hand of God". A growing number of people, young and old alike, enjoy the process as a hobby, because the basic techniques are relatively simple and inexpensive.

First secure a  fresh fish to make your fish print. (If you can't print it within 24 hours, freeze it.) Good fish to begin with include rock fish, flounder, perch or bass. I get some of my fresh fish from my dad, who loves to fish. Wash the fish thoroughly to remove all of the mucus. (Otherwise it can interfere with your print and stain the paper.)  Remove the eye, plug any openings, (i.e. the anus & gills etc.) with cotton or paper towels to prevent any moisture from staining the paper.

 Place the fish on clean paper on your work table. Build up platforms under the fins, using cardboard or modeling clay, so that you have a hard surface to press against while printing. The fins may also be pinned open.

Using block printing ink, (both water base or oil base work fine), brush a thin layer of ink onto the fish.  Smooth out the brush strokes.  After the fish is inked, place clean paper under the fins and elsewhere as needed.

Place your paper over the fish and firmly rub the paper, being careful not to let it shift. Practice using newsprint, then when you feel ready, move on to a good handmade paper like "Hosho".

Carefully separate the paper from the fish and view your first Gyotaku print.  Lay the print out flat or hang it up to dry.  Look to see how you can improve it and try it again.  Finish it by
painting in the eye using water color.