Paper Fish Gallery
• Home
• Gallery
  • Fossilized
  • Traditional
  • Contemporary
  • Other Works
• Fast Facts
  • About Gyotaku
  • About The Artist
  • In The News
  • Galleries & Stores
  • Custom Orders
• Ordering Info
  • About Your Order
  • Delivery
  • Return Policy
  • Privacy Policy
• Shopping Cart
• Special Thanks
About Gyotaku
Gyotaku "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.

Bill LodzinskiIn 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.

About The Artist
Bill Lodzinski Bill Lodzinski was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to the United States in his mid-teens. He was educated in both languages and was fortunate enough to grow up with strong influences from both cultures. He is a self taught artist, but did learn a few oil painting techniques from The Elaine Bigelow Studios in Myrtle Beach, SC in the early 1990's. His primary concentration was in oil paintings prior to his introduction to Gyotaku. After watching a broadcast of the art on TV, he was captivated by the uniqueness and challenges of the art form and decided to give it a try. The response to his work has been overwhelming and has inspired him to pursue his passion in art. He has been creating Gyotaku since early 2003.

Bill recently relocated to Ocala, Florida from Roanoke, Virginia. Working out of his home studio, he visualizes and captures various styles of this art form. Whether it takes on a fossilized look or a colorful realistic impression, it is a reflection of what he sees as his work unfolds. Each impression is a discovery into an exciting new world. Bill's prints represents his own style and look and in many ways are a departure from more traditional standards. Each piece is an original. No two will ever be alike.

"Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable."
- George Bernard Shaw
In The News
Check these articles and features about the artist:
 
  • Coastal Living Magazine, May/June 2004
  • Jefferson Center Gallery
  • Scaled To Perfection, The Roanoke Times, 7/31/03
Galleries & Retail Stores
  • Artful Expressions Gallery, Seaside, OR
  • Studios on the Square Gallery, Roanoke, VA
  • La De Da - Roanoke City Market, Roanoke, VA
  • Art on a Mission Gallery, Tanglewood Mall, Roanoke, VA
  • LA Showcase Gallery, Lamar Corporation, Baton Rouge, LA
  • Mill Mountain Zoo Gift Shop, Roanoke, VA
  • The Little Gallery on Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, VA
Custom Orders
Bill Lodzinski will do custom work to suit the needs of the buyer. Also, send your prized catch or any fish of your choice to the artist for the composition of your choosing. Please call for more details.

5103 SE 44th Circle
Ocala, FL 34480
352·624·3479