GYOTAKU GIFTS
Anglesey Sea Bass Diptych Gyotaku
Anglesey Sea Bass Diptych Gyotaku
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This bass was caught on a line by a local fisherman here in North Wales. It was caught on the Menai Stait.
Bass are my favourite fish to print the definition you get on the scales is wonderful. Whereas most Gyotaku are made to record a fisherman's catch, I combine my experience as an oil painter and create Gyotaku that are more expressive using colour in a less conventional way.
Here I have used the same fish, printing it several times and repositioning it, inking it again and then lining it up carefully to create this composition. This print is on Thai mulberry paper and I have used the traditional Sumi ink. This must be left longer for the ink to fully cure into the paper before attempting the next stage.
Printing is just the first part of the process. After printing, the paper is cockled and wouldn’t lay flat in a frame. I hand paint the eyes on the print and leave that to dry.
To achieve a flat print I use the traditional wet mounting process that has been used in the east for centuries. This process takes 24hours. The Japanese name for this process is Urauchi which I believe means gluing backing paper to artwork. That is pretty much what is done. A wheatpaste is applied to the back of the print and in this process you remove all air bubbles and wrinkles. Here I have applied two backing sheets to the print and the three sheets are left to dry overnight. The result is a thicker, flat print that can now be framed.
When it is flattened, I sign the print and stamp it with my Hanko. This work makes a lovely statement piece for a coastal home or for anyone who likes eating, cooking or catching fish.
The framed print as it would be hung is 109cm wide (including a 2cm gap between frames) and 73cm tall. They have been professionally framed by my framer. This print will be posted out using an insured service. This print will be posted within 14 days of order being received.
