GYOTAKU IN THE GARDEN

Gyotaku (Gee-oh-tak-oo) is a traditional form of ink printing that was utilized by Japanese fisherman to record their catches with non- toxic sumi ink and mulberry paper.
 
This unique form of nature printing evolved as a practice and artform to include fish, sea creatures, or similar subjects as its "printing plates" to create rich representation of the living diversity and seasonality of the ecosystem in which the artist lived. 
 
Join Cody Wise Hagen of Olympic Gyotaku in the garden at Flora Farm in this unique, hands on workshop that will explore the rich artform of Gyotaku and the ways in which Gyotaku and nature printing can connect us deeper to the seasons and ecosystem around us.
 
Gyotaku in the Garden 
 
Cody will facilitate a hands on work shop exploring the art of Gyotaku fish printing.
 
We'll discuss the intricacies and history of the art form and the ways in which the appreciation of our local fish species can raise awareness and proactive action towards the effects of climate change on our forests, rivers, oceans and salmon.
 
We'll be guided in creating several of our very own gyotaku prints with fresh, locally caught salmon that Cody will provide for this special event.
 
Students will be provided with art supplies including:
3 sheets each of Japanese Mulberry paper
 paint brushes 
non toxic Sumi ink (charcoal paint) 
and a 3 fresh Salmon to create their own prints to take home
 
After our print session, the group will reflect on our experience as we share in a communal meal from the salmon used in the workshop, prepared and cooked by Cody.
 
Facilitator Bio
 
"The concept behind my work is to blend the traditional Japanese printing technique with the endemic and migratory Salmonoids and other fish species that I believe capture the culture and spirit of the Olympic Peninsula. My goal is to create work that transports the viewer to the unique environment of my home.
 
The simplistic yet bold contrast of the sumi ink on the mulberry paper and the over 150-year-old Japanese tradition of catching, printing, and preparing each fish for a meal speaks to me. I feel that the art of Gyotaku effortlessly captures the unique landscape we live in in Port Angeles. I've been studying and talking to Gyotaku masters, asking them questions about their craft, and exploring the art form while progressing my own unique style".
 
Learn more about Cody and his work with Olympic Gyotaku at his website HERE and connect on social media HERE.