Gyotaku

Flounder caught out on westside

Kagami- This is one of my personal favorties

Gyotaku is an ancient japanese art of "fish printing." Many japanese fishermen printed their catches in order to show them off to their friends as well as preserve the memory the fish. Through the ages, Gyotaku has been refined to an art that is fairly popular throughout Hawaii's fishermen.

Doing Gyotaku with Ron Gram.

Ron pats off the Kagami in preparation for a print

 I first learned the art of Gyotaku years ago from Naoki himself. Naoki was extremely kind in teaching me and has always supported my passion to pursue the art. Though I am not nearly as talented as Naoki, I always strive on improving my skills and developing my style in the art. I also  print fish my Ron Gram as he too is kind in critiquing my work.

This is a Tako that i printed for a friend.

My main intention when first learning from Naoki was (like the Japanese fishermen) to show off my fish and preserve the memory of my catch. Though now days, I see Gyotaku more as a way for me to advocate my style and attitude in a form of art for the enjoyment of others. 

Im always looking for inspiration for my Gyotaku, 

while diving and spending time in the ocean. 

I plan on posting my work up here a little at a time.

I print fish for my friends that I dive with though I am looking to open up and start printing for all of the divers and fishermen out there that want their catches preserved through Gyotaku art. I am always pleased to here input on my art work, so let me know what you guys think! Enjoy!

Ulua