Fish Rubbing Process | View the History of Gyotaku

The fish rubbing process also known as Gyotaku, began two thousand years ago in the Orient. It was originally done to document species and sizes of fish. It then transformed into an art form. The Gyotaku technique allows for a truly accurate image of all the details in each fish.

Simple and Beautiful I use the following method to make the image look as natural as can be. First I mix up paint or ink and then apply it directly on the fish. Next, I simply cover the fish with fine paper or fabric and gently rub.

Striped Bass This is true game fish reaching up to fifty plus pounds. There are strict regulations regarding this species to maintain their sustainability. These beautiful fish have been caught in Cape Cod waters since the days of the Mayflower pilgrims and before that by the Native American tribes from the Chesapeake to the Maine coast.

Bluefish Schools of bluefish are a sight to behold when they come on to bait – any bait – it turns into a bluefish blitz. Bluefish have incredibly strong jaws rimmed with razor sharp teeth. These fish are plentiful and stay around all summer in Cape Cod waters.

Snapper Blues These scrappy little fish are actually baby blue fish. They stay in rivers and estuaries feeding on minnows until they are big enough to graduate to the more dangerous life in the ocean!

Scup This is a ground fish found close to shore. From New York to Cape Cod and the Islands, these relatively small feisty fish have proven to be a very good live bait for lunker striped bass.

Atlantic Cod Cod fish have been vital to this region for hundreds of years. Ships came from England and beyond to fish these waters before our country was settled. Cod were historically fished as though there was an endless supply. Recently, stringent restrictions have been placed on the taking of Cod in order to allow them to regenerate.

Fluke Fluke fishing can be a very casual and relaxing way to catch a very tasty and interesting fish. These fish must be a minimum of 17 inches. They are often caught drifting over a sandy bottom. I like to use something shiny above the hook to attract them.

Skate These strange appearing fish enjoy the sandy bottom and are perfectly camouflaged to blend into their environment in order to take advantage of their prey.

American Eel This slippery character lives among the seaweed and soft mud of the many rivers and coastal areas of New England. They are a favorite snack for striped bass!

Ballyhoo This is a bait fish that is caught in the south (Florida, Mexico, Carribean). We use this fish up here for catching tuna and other big game fish.

Red Snapper These beauties can be found all over the world, but mostly in the Gulf of Mexico and Indonesia. Red snapper always live in and around sunken ships, reefs, and other assorted structures, which provide them with protection and prime hunting.

Atlantic Salmon A world traveler, the Atlantic salmon spawns in fresh water, but spends most of its life at sea. The salmon move toward their major feeding grounds in the North Atlantic near Greenland and Iceland. Then they return to their spawning grounds from Connecticut to the Canadian coast.

Squid These strange sea creatures have a large mantle (head), eight arms with suckers, two longer feeding tentacles and two hearts. Squid, unlike most bait fish, are also quite delicious. They are used to catch nearly everything from tuna to flukes.

Blue Crab These crustaceans are abundant in Maryland and other Mid-Atlantic locale where they are virtually a staple on many a menu. In New England, we find them in rivers and rocky coastal areas.

Fish Rubbing originated in the Orient back in the early 1800's. It has been used to preserve records of fisherman's catches. As time has moved on, people have found the prints to be visually pleasing.

The Art of Gyotaku is a delicate and ever-changing art form. The potential to create new and different works increase with each new design.

Each fish rubbing is unique. The set up can be changed in a variety of ways. We can use a broad range of prints or inks. The printing stock can vary from the gentlest rice paper to a much firmer canvas.

The basic method remains relatively simple. Apply paint or ink to the actual fish and lay your paper or canvas on top of it. Then rub over the entire fish and gently peel the paper off to have a look at your new creation.

It is also a wonderful way to stay close to the ocean and appreciate the beauty and variety of marine life.
Also, it is said that it brings good luck to the fisherman.

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I feel the elegance, flow, and look of Chinese "Characters" or symbols have an aura of their own. The depth and significance of one character tells a story. I thought I could combine this with an original fish rubbing.

Before beginning work on a fish, I try to think of how to create a balance between the colors I can use and the personality of the species. I often find that if I can synergize my thoughts of the fish at sea and paint brush, it will show in the work.

It varies which character I use on specific pieces. It could be the fight I had with the fish, the time of day I caught the fish, the type of fish, or I suppose, even my mood.

Thank you for your interest. Look for new fish rubbings often.