FRAMED TRIPTYCH GYOTAKU OF ANCHOVIES

The anchovy is used as a bait fish for catching sea bass.  So I got my anchovy from the local fishing tackle shop. 

A small fish with bags of personality, the scales flake up from the fish leaving this almost polka dot finish to them.  By using a very thin layer of ink, I've managed to pick up some of the scale markings which has taken me lots of trial and error to work out how.

To make a triptych print, I work on three sheets of paper sometimes printing across a fish across to two sheets to give the impression that the fish are swimming through the frames.   It's a tricky process especially with such a delicate oily fish.  Then the eyes and dorsal fins are added.

 The paper I work on is very thin oriental paper made from tree bark fibre.   Once the work is made it must by flattened using the Urauchi process. 

For Urauchi, the print is laid flat, face down on a flat surface and the back of the work is pasted with a thin glue.  A second sheet of paper is then applied to the back and pressed down.  The two are left to dry for 12-24 hours and will become completely bonded producing a much thicker sheet that will lie flat in a frame.

Each panel measures 77cm x 42cm and I'd always recommend hanging them around 2cm apart form each other and using a mirror plate to fix them.  The framing was done by a professional framer and the print comes with a certificate. 

I'll use an insured shipping service for this work. 

 Shipping in the UK is included.  Please feel free to drop me a line if you need further information.  I'm always happy to a video call if you want another look at the work or if you are local you can arrange a studio visit.  Jane

The print will be posted out and marked fragile.  Shipping within the UK is included in the price shown.  Other territories will incur additional costs. 

Please feel free to drop me a message if you need further information.