Gyotaku Impression taken from Octopus Vulgaris Tentacles

Gyotaku Impression taken from Octopus Vulgaris TentaclesI was recently gifted a large octopus, from which I have made several full size prints. As the octopus is so large, the prints are very expensive. So I thought it might be fun to create some more affordable prints from the tentacles. I have used exactly the same method as I would use to print a fish, a full octopus, a lobster or even a leaf. The tentacle is laid out, and then I apply an acrylic ink that is both lightfast and permanent. Next I press a

I'll use an insured shipping service for this work

The black and gold palette enhances the texture and form of the leaves

Whereas most Gyotaku are made to record a fisherman's catch

using the wheat paste is a ph neutral process and uses less man made chemicals

Pollock are plentiful in the local water and they are a member of the Cod family

I’ve included a video of the work which shows the backing paper

suggesting both the fragility and resilience of the natural world

These prints have been very popular with shellfish fans

and then I apply an acrylic ink that is both lightfast and permanent

then a second sheet of paper is pressed against the back of the print and the two sheet are left to day and bond overnight

Then the eyes and dorsal fins are added

The name for this process is Uruachi