Please join us at Full Bloom Farm on beautiful Lummi Island, October 14th, 2023 for a hands-on Gyotaku class led by renowned and classical gyotaku artist Dwight Hwang. Dwight will teach students the process of this 18th century Japanese art form of fish printing. This is a special opportunity to learn from a master who rarely offers classes outside his home studio in Mission Viejo, CA. Students will be immersed in the art of Gyotaku and learn about the history, the preparation of the fish, the tools, the processes, and even the philosophies involved. We will be first printing with small fish and then with larger locally-caught Reefnet Coho or Chum salmon. No previous experience with nature printing is required.
What is Gyotaku?
Gyotaku (魚拓)gyo "fish" + taku "stone rubbing” is a traditional Japanese method of printing fish that dates back to the mid-1800s. It is a type of nature printing that was developed by fishermen to record their catches and has since developed into an artform.
The Class
Dwight will start the class off by discussing the history of Gyotaku. Next there will be a short video showing how the fish are caught with reefnets just off Lummi Island. After the film, Dwight will teach students how to prep fish for printing and familiarize them with the required tools and supplies by leading a demonstration of his craft.
Students will work in pairs helping each other make multiple prints. Dwight will demonstrate how to add interesting elements to your artwork such as filling in the eye, adding seaweed, or bugs and how to flatten and mount your work.
The salmon used during the workshop will be kept cold between prints and will remain food safe. Students will be able to take home half of their salmon for dinner.
The Setting
The workshop will take place in our newly renovated barn studio, full of natural light and located right beside the flower garden and farm stand. Students can take time before or after class to explore the farm, nearby beaches, forested trails, and wildlife that Lummi Island offers. If you’re interested in learning more about reefnet salmon fishing ahead of time, please visit salishcenter.org
Food to look forward to
Delicious farmhouse pastries, coffee, and tea will be served in the mornings before class. Lunches will be served each day from our wood-fired oven featuring pizza made with local flour, cheeses and veggies grown on the farm, salads from the farm, and dessert made with fruit from our orchards and brambles.
Please state dietary requirements and preferences in advance.
Space is limited.
Dwight Hwang Biography
Dwight Hwang creates classical Japanese gyotaku art and European nature printing. Whether his subject is a fish, plants, birds, or even a person, he pushes not only the art but himself to bring awe, memories, and quiet contemplation to viewers worldwide. Partnered with institutions like NOAA and Patagonia, his work has been exhibited in museums such as the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, displayed in hospitality settings such as the Four Seasons Resorts, and showcased in publications, including Forbes.
“My many years in Japan have taught me some very important things. However, one that stands out and remains to sculpt how I view the Japanese approach to life and artistry is the cultural love and admiration for simplicity, fleeting moments, and the 'Perfect Imperfection' - take an imperfect subject and emphasize these imperfections to be beautiful. It is my wish to show and convey this mindful philosophy to others.”
To learn more about nature printing, visit the Nature Printing Society website here
Plan Your Trip
September can be a busy time of the year on Lummi Island, so we encourage you to book overnight accommodations as soon as possible. We recommend staying on Lummi in one of the many vacation rentals offered. We have a beautiful and comfortable loft on the farm that you can book here. Or take a look at Stay & Sea (20% discount code is FULLBLOOM), RecRetreats, Lummi Island Vacations, Airbnb or VRBO. If you're interested in sharing a vacation rental with another workshop attendee, please make sure to select this as an option when checking out and we will connect interested parties via email as they sign up.
The ferry schedule and directions to the farm are found here for your reference