Anglesey Sea Bass Duo Gyotaku

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 first on one side then flipping it over, inking it again and then lining it up carefully to create this composition. 

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.  

 This print is framed and will be posted out using an insured service.  This is the standard framing I use and will be a white frame with an off white mount.  The framing is done by my professional framer.

Unframed, the print measures 35cmx70cm approx and framed it will be around 50cmx84.5cm

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.