Fish Rubbing Process
The
fish rubbing process also known as Gyotaku, began two thousand
years ago in the Orient. It was originally done to document
species and sizes of fish. It then transformed into an art
form. The Gyotaku technique allows for a truly accurate image
of all the details in each fish.
Simple
and Beautiful I use the following method to
make the image look as natural as can be. First I mix up paint
or ink and then apply it directly on the fish. Next, I simply
cover the fish with fine paper or fabric and gently rub.
Striped Bass
This is true game fish reaching up to fifty plus pounds. There
are strict regulations regarding this species to maintain
their sustainability. These beautiful fish have been caught
in Cape Cod waters since the days of the Mayflower pilgrims
and before that by the Native American tribes from the Chesapeake
to the Maine coast.
Bluefish
Schools of bluefish are a sight to behold when they come on
to bait – any bait – it turns into a bluefish
blitz. Bluefish have incredibly strong jaws rimmed with razor
sharp teeth. These fish are plentiful and stay around all
summer in Cape Cod waters.
Snapper Blues
These scrappy little fish are actually baby blue fish. They
stay in rivers and estuaries feeding on minnows until they
are big enough to graduate to the more dangerous life in the
ocean!
Scup This is
a ground fish found close to shore. From New York to Cape
Cod and the Islands, these relatively small feisty fish have
proven to be a very good live bait for lunker striped bass.
Atlantic Cod
Cod fish have been vital to this region for hundreds of years.
Ships came from England and beyond to fish these waters before
our country was settled. Cod were historically fished as though
there was an endless supply. Recently, stringent restrictions
have been placed on the taking of Cod in order to allow them
to regenerate.
Fluke Fluke
fishing can be a very casual and relaxing way to catch a very
tasty and interesting fish. These fish must be a minimum of
17 inches. They are often caught drifting over a sandy bottom.
I like to use something shiny above the hook to attract them.
Skate These
strange appearing fish enjoy the sandy bottom and are perfectly
camouflaged to blend into their environment in order to take
advantage of their prey.
American Eel
This slippery character lives among the seaweed and soft mud
of the many rivers and coastal areas of New England. They
are a favorite snack for striped bass!
Ballyhoo This
is a bait fish that is caught in the south (Florida, Mexico,
Carribean). We use this fish up here for catching tuna and
other big game fish.
Red
Snapper These beauties can be found all over the world,
but mostly in the Gulf of Mexico and Indonesia. Red snapper
always live in and around sunken ships, reefs, and other assorted
structures, which provide them with protection and prime hunting.
Atlantic Salmon
A world traveler, the Atlantic salmon spawns in fresh water,
but spends most of its life at sea. The salmon move toward
their major feeding grounds in the North Atlantic near Greenland
and Iceland. Then they return to their spawning grounds from
Connecticut to the Canadian coast.
Squid These
strange sea creatures have a large mantle (head), eight arms
with suckers, two longer feeding tentacles and two hearts.
Squid, unlike most bait fish, are also quite delicious. They
are used to catch nearly everything from tuna to flukes.
Blue Crab These
crustaceans are abundant in Maryland and other Mid-Atlantic
locale where they are virtually a staple on many a menu. In
New England, we find them in rivers and rocky coastal areas.
History of “Gyotaku”
(Gyo = fish Taku = imaging)
Fish
Rubbing originated in the Orient back in the early 1800′s.
It has been used to preserve records of fisherman’s catches.
As time has moved on, people have found the prints to be visually
pleasing.
The Art of Gyotaku is a delicate and ever-changing
art form. The potential to create new and different works
increase with each new design.
Each fish rubbing is unique. The set up
can be changed in a variety of ways. We can use a broad range
of prints or inks. The printing stock can vary from the gentlest
rice paper to a much firmer canvas.
The basic method remains relatively simple.
Apply paint or ink to the actual fish and lay your paper or
canvas on top of it. Then rub over the entire fish and gently
peel the paper off to have a look at your new creation.
It is also a wonderful way to stay close
to the ocean and appreciate the beauty and variety of marine
life.
Also, it is said that it brings good luck to the fisherman.
Chinese Characters
I feel the elegance, flow, and look of Chinese “Characters” or symbols have an aura of their own. The depth and significance of one character tells a story. I thought I could combine this with an original fish rubbing.
Before beginning work on a fish, I try to think of how to create a balance between the colors I can use and the personality of the species. I often find that if I can synergize my thoughts of the fish at sea and paint brush, it will show in the work.
It varies which character I use on specific pieces. It could be the fight I had with the fish, the time of day I caught the fish, the type of fish, or I suppose, even my mood.
Thank you for your interest. Look for new fish rubbings often.
