Gyotaku Workshop

Making Fish Prints With Paula NISHIKAWARA

Gyotaku is a printing technique developed in the 19th century and used by fishermen to document their catches. In the course of time, it has developed into an independent art form and is still practiced in Japan today. Paula NISHIKAWARA uses washi paper, ink, and watercolors to capture precise graphic images of fish bodies that surprise with their colorful expressiveness. Under her guidance, you can create your own prints.

You will need:

• Thin, untreated paper such as rice paper or thin wrapping paper (no printer, gift or glossy paper)
• Watercolors
• Several brushes (1.5 - 2.5 cm wide)
• A cup of water to wash out the brushes
• 1 fish, approx. 15 - 30 cm long (if possible fresh and not gutted, the scales should be intact)
• Newspaper for underlay
• Kitchen paper for dabbing and cleaning the fish