"Gyo" means fish and "Taku" means rubbing. Gyotaku is a technique that was developed by Japanese fishermen in the mid-1800's. It was a way to record and preserve their prized catches. Since then it has evolved into an art form with varied techniques and presentations.
There are two methods of Gyotaku. The INDIRECT method and the DIRECT method.
In the Indirect method, the rice paper is wetted and pressed over the fish and colored from the topside. A small cotton ball wrapped in silk called a Tampo is used by dipping it in paint and dabbing it on the paper.
In the Direct method, the surface of the fish is covered with ink or paint. Rice paper is then placed over the fish , pressed and gently rubbed to produce a mirror image of the fish.
Bill Lodzinski uses the Direct Method on all his prints. It reveals much greater details. Plus the excitement of having a slightly different print after each rub is part of the fun and challenge.