Framed Gyotaku print of Octopus Vulgris

Framed Gyotaku print of Octopus VulgrisCOLLECTION ONLY FROM MY STUDIO I was fortunate to be gifted this incredible specimen and have made several prints which have been immensely popular. Here I have used a hand made Japanese Mulberry paper and the octopus is off set to one side. After printing I then use the Urauchi method to apply backing paper to make the print frameable. The print has been professionally framed by my framer. Octopus are a difficult specimen to work with but make

wet-mounted using the Urauchi process

if you are a Gyotaku artist

This is a large John Dory gifted to me some time ago

I have used premium quality acrylic ink

the more respect I have for the creatures I work with and if they are treated well

this piece continues my exploration of Gyotaku-inspired art—a reinterpretation of the traditional Japanese printing method once used by fishermen to record their catch

flat finish and enhancing its longevity

I use Japanese Masa paper for my backing paper and I have recently adopted a policy of doubling up on this process so that the print is bonded to two backing sheets

This is wooden block that is traditionally used for signatures in Japan

My first step is to flatten the print using a technique called Urauchi

The second would be to paint on the markings after printing

a second sheet of paper is rolled out and stuck down to the back using a Shuro brush