Sunday, May 18, 2008

Gyotaku


This morning I did gyotaku with friends at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Gyotaku is literally "fish printing." In short: you take fish of different shapes and sizes, paint them, and print them on paper. It's a good activity for those "can't draw a straight line" folks. Both kids and grownups are intrigued by seeing real fish up close. Creative types will enjoy  taking it in new directions. It's messy but fairly easy to set up and clean up.

I have always loved doing art in groups. Although I value the actual artwork from various art happenings in my life, I also remember the personalities involved. The generous, creative, exploring people, happy to spend time, creating something together.

Internationally, fish are a symbol of life. Here is a sampling of our work from today:

You can see so much energy in the scales, in the paint.



3 comments:

camillaknits said...

Okay, I see the first real fabric workshop has just revealed itself. How cool is that? You rock, Ann-girl. You might see me tomorrow at the Marsh on 135... I'll be eyeballing the fishmonger's case. Hmmmm... should I smoosh the fish on muslin or cotton duck? What about a slight bleach bath on dark fabrics? Oh, bother. I won't sleep tonight, either. Leeks. Leeks make beautiful prints... Oh, help!

amy wolgemuth bordoni said...

Ann, I have always coveted your fish print over your mantel. I have actually thought about asking you to leave it to me in your will, but no bother. Now I know your secret. Time for some fishing...the river is just three block away...

Unknown said...

Yeah, the first-annual "fish-fest" is being plotted. And too bad about you reading Harlot now. Your 'non-knitter' days are numbered... 'cuz you needed one more thing to cram in, right? The upside is you will never have a wasted moment, and some mindless knitting at the end of the day is wonderful for resetting your brain. It's a very good thing. Off to think more about fish...