At the time of the application, students were going to create a different ceramics project, but inspiration struck when I was introduced to Gyotaku. Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese art of fish printing, offers a fascinating intersection of nature and creativity that inspired our creation of ceramic fish plates. Originating as a method for fishermen to record their catches, gyotaku involves applying ink to a fish and pressing it onto paper to capture its detailed imprint. This technique highlights textures and patterns of marine life, which can be translated into ceramic art. To create ceramic fish plates inspired by gyotaku we used a hump mold as the foundation. A hump mold, typically made from plaster, provides a stable form over which clay can be shaped. By pressing the clay onto the mold, students can achieve a consistent and smooth surface, which is crucial for capturing the fine details reminiscent of gyotaku prints. Once the clay slab is prepared and draped over the hump mold, the student can begin to incorporate the fish motifs. The next step involves imprinting or carving the fish designs onto the clay. This can be done using various tools to mimic the detailed textures found in gyotaku prints. The plate is allowed to dry, then bisque fired, glazed, and fired again to achieve a finished, durable piece. These plates not only serve as functional tableware but also as artistic expressions that celebrate the beauty of marine life, bridging the gap between ancient artistry and modern craftsmanship.
Annabelle had always been intrigued by the wonders of the ocean, spending countless hours at the local aquarium and sketching marine life in her notebook. Her passion for art was undeniable, but she was constantly searching for a unique way to express her love for the sea. After our lesson about Gyotaku and using fish to print, she became more inspired than ever. The intricate and detailed prints fascinated her, and she knew immediately that she had found the perfect medium to combine her two passions. Determined to create something remarkable, Annabelle set out to learn everything she could about gyotaku. She studied various techniques, from the traditional method of using actual fish and sumi ink to more modern approaches involving synthetic materials and vibrant colors. She compiled all of her inspiration into her ceramic fish plate. She took the time to choose a fish that would be excellent for the impression. She built a beautiful foot for her piece to sit on and gave the work excellent texture. All of the hard work was for our UIL Art competition, VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event). As the UIL Art competition approached, Annabelle felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. She had participated in the competition before but had never received higher than a 2. The day of the UIL Art competition finally arrived, and she carefully transported her ceramic fish plate to the venue, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. As she set up her display, she couldn't help but admire how the light played off the intricate textures she had meticulously crafted onto the plate. When the results were announced, she could hardly believe her ears – her gyotaku piece had received a 4, the highest rating possible. The judges were impressed by the attention to detail, the choice of fish, and the overall aesthetic appeal of her creation. Their positive comments filled her with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that her hard work and dedication had paid off. As the competition drew to a close, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to showcase her talent and creativity among her peers. Her success at VASE not only boosted her confidence but also opened new doors for her artistic journey. Annabelle's gyotaku masterpiece had brought her recognition and reaffirmed her belief in the power of art to inspire and connect people. She took this art competition as an opportunity to connect with other students from across our region. She was able to learn from them and inspire others. As she looked back on her journey, she knew that this was just the beginning of a lifelong adventure in the world of art. Annabelle's piece was amongst many students that did very successful work for the UIL Art Competition, however, her piece was truly inspired by the foundation set by the lesson on Gyotaku and the materials the grant had provided. Without this opportunity, her success story would not be as impactful.