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Gyotaku Art
Gyotaku is an ancient Japanese art printing technique that dates back to the early 1800s.  Gyotaku translates to "fish rubbing" but is now an art form that includes leaves, feathers, shells, and many other items.  All supplies are included for you to make several different pieces using a variety of subjects, customized to your own personal creative choices.  Please note that all photographs attached to this registration are original Gyotaku works created by the instructor.


About the Instructor:
Patti Fielding is a Gyotaku Artist, also perfecting the Urauchi technique (wet mounting) – two ancient Asian techniques that date back to the early 1800s. She concentrates on both sumi ink and acrylic paint on both fabric and Asian papers, depending on the subject.
 
Retired from the world of Business, Sales, and Management, Patti has always had art and creativity running through her veins, having been raised by an artist (her Mom).  Shortly into retirement, she was introduced to Gyotaku.  Being an avid fisherman and lover of all aquatic life…. she was hooked.  As Patti continues to hone in on her skills and technique, her paths have crossed with some pretty amazing and gifted artists both local and worldwide who have taken time to assist her in this journey.
 
Gyotaku (which translates to “fish rubbing”) is an ancient Japanese print technique that dates to the early 1800s when fishermen would document their catch. They would apply sumi ink to one side of a freshly caught fish, then cover the fish with rice paper and rub to create an exact image of the fish. The ink was non-toxic and allowed for the fish to be processed for eating, while preserving records of fish species and sizes.  Back when there were no cameras, this was the way to get an authentic and exact print.  Today, it’s become an art form that also includes shells, leaves, feathers, shellfish (even fruits and vegetables) as well as fish.  Patti personally has been attracted to this art form as it reminds her of all of our own beautiful and unique details that can so often be ignored or forgotten because we magnify one detail over all the others (whether it’s a positive detail or a negative one).  Our value is in ALL of our details.  Patti has found Gyotaku has been quite healing for her because there was a time when she magnified her career over all other details which left her a bit lost.  Gyotaku helped her find herself again.
 
Recently, Patti has had her work shown locally at the Essex Art Center in Lawrence, The Brush Art Gallery of Lowell, Chelmsford Center for the Arts, Parish Center for the Arts in Westford Ma. and at The Arts League of Lowell.  She now has a permanent space at Arts League of Lowell for 2025 and has several pieces at The Lazy Bubble restaurant in Pepperell, MA.  She has done several demonstrations/classes to share the technique with others and to help others heal by reminding them of THEIR unique and beautiful details (like the subjects of Gyotaku).

Website  -  https://www.gyotakuandmore.com
Facebook and Instagram @ gyotakuandmore
Patti4lex@gmail.com

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Gyotaku Japanese Art Workshop NEW! 
18y and up N/A W  09/24/2025
06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Community Education Center - CommEd Room 17 		$39.00 Tuition, $39.00 Non-Res
* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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