My favourite thing I achieved during the Printing Matter residency was printing a cod! I’ve been interested in trying gyotaku 魚拓, Japanese nature printing. I plan to try this again in Japan, but when I do that I may be influenced by specific methods and traditions. So this was a great opportunity for me to try my own freestyle fish printing first. My experimentation and engagement with the local fish factory was encouraged. I went to the local fish factory and requested a full fish to print and a piece to cook. The woman working there kindly gave me both for free, without many words exchanged. Later, during the exhibition some staff from the factory were interested to see their catch printed. After the show I donated a print to the factory and some goodies from Canada.
Like any form of printmaking, pressure had to be adjusted accordingly, and being mindful of where ink collects in some places more than others. In this case, it collected a lot on the fins more than on the scales.
