Framed Gyotaku impression taken from a Blue Fin Tuna Tail

There are a few things that, if you are a Gyotaku artist, are on the tick list.  This was one of them.  I've looked at so many other artists around the world who print these and didn't think I'd get the opportunity in the UK to do this. 

My tuna tail came to me from Cornwall.  2023 was the first year in a very long time that tuna could be caught in UK waters.  It was caught by a vessel that is based in Mevagissey in Cornwall and then sent to Brixham to be processed.

It was one of the staff at the fish processing plant that follows me on Instagram and is aware of this art form that contacted me and asked me if I'd like the tail in exchange for a print.  I was more than happy to oblige.  It arrived the next day by courier and to be honest, I was a little shocked at how big it was.  I just about managed to get it in my freezer!

I'm always saying that each specimen presents it's own challenges and this is true of Tuna too.  It's a majestic marine specimen and tasty fish too.  The tail is just waste and is discarded usually so it's great to use something that would otherwise just go to wast and make art from it.

This tuna tail print is on mitsumata measuring approx 80cm x 54cm and is printed in Speedball Acrylic Ink.  As with all my work, it has had the second additional step of Urauchi, the Japanese method of backing and flattening a print.  

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.

The print has been framed by my professional framer and will be shipped with Parcel force using their insured service.  

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