A Life Among Fishes: 50 Years of Gyotaku

A Life Among the Fishes: 50 Years of Japanese Fish Printing is a retrospective of Christopher M. Dewees’ Japanese fish prints (gyotaku) as well as many new works. Christopher learned the technique of fish printing as a graduate student at Humboldt State University. The print is made by either covering an inked fish with paper or fabric and applying pressure, or by wrapping a fish and dabbing ink onto the receptive surface to get an image.

His gyotaku style is traditional and delicate, with an emphasis on structure, printing and movement of fish and shellfish. Dewees often catches the fish, prints it and then prepares it for a meal. Among the new works is a series of collages featuring the Women’s March theme, deep-sea fishes, and California coastal fishes and shellfish. Many of the pieces will be accompanied by stories, poems, or relevant explanations.

A special feature will be a selection of holiday gift items including tiles, trivets, place mats and his new book, A Life Among Fishes: The Art of Gyotaku.