STREAMING PROGRAM INFORMATION

• This program is part of our Smithsonian Associates Streaming series.
• Platform: Zoom
• Online registration is required.
• If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.

Delightful and detailed prints on paper can be made using real fish. Using direct printing and water-based printing inks, create realistic looking schools of fish or a single artistic print simply by inking a whole fish and pressing it to paper.

The result is a gyotaku, a term derived from the Japanese words for fish (gyo) and print (taku).

Before cameras, Japanese fishermen used this technique to document a big catch when they were out at sea: They applied sumi ink to a fish, pressed it to newspaper, and then rinsed the fish in the water so it could be eaten.

Discover the wonderful shapes and patterns of fish and create several 12-by-18-inch gyotaku. Learn how to paint realistic fish eyes to bring your print to life, and cut masks to create realistic compositions.

Download the supply list for this class

Other Information

• The instructor is Sue Fierston.
• One 3-hour session
• This studio arts program is a Zoom Meeting to allow for patron and instructor interaction.
• There is another Gyotaku workshop on Jan. 23.

Patron Information

• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
• View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.