Jeff Conroy

Kikusui - Japanese Gyotaku Painting of Orange Koi on Marbled Mulberry Paper

2021

In Japan they are known as Nishikigoi, or living jewels. These brilliantly colored varieties of the Amur carp have been selectively bred by family owned fisheries for generations. When I began this series of Gyotaku (Japanese fish printing) I studied the many varieties of Koi, each with their own unique colors and patterns. My particular favorites are the Tanchos which can be identified by the distinct red spot on their heads. To create these pieces I print common carp I catch myself with sumi ink using traditional techniques used by Japanese fisherman dating back the mid 1800's. I then tint the images using watercolor. In each piece I hope to translate a sense of movement to give the viewer a sense of calm one might experience watching the living versions lazily meandering around a serene pond. —Jeff Conroy Several koi swim in a circle while autumn leaves fall on the surface of the water in this Gyo-tako method of painting by artist Jeff Conroy. After inking and taking impressions of the koi, the artist then uses watercolors to enhance their beauty. By using marbled mulberry paper to print on, he has created the illusion of water with the swirls of the mulberry paper. The paper itself has a soft hue and slightly wavy texture adding the overall feel of the artwork. This artwork is unframed. Contact gallery for framing options. Jeff Conroy Autumn Cotillion sumi ink and colored pencil on mulberry paper 25h x 37w in 63.50h x 93.98w cm JEC103 Gyotaku - A Japanese word translated from "gyo" meaning fish and "taku" meaning stone impression. It is the traditional Japanese method of printing fish, a practice which dates back to the mid-1800s. This form of nature printing was used by fishermen to record their catches, but has also become an art form of its own. Gyotaku is a Japanese method of printmaking that traditionally utilizes fish, sea creatures or similar subjects as printing "plates" in its process. The literal translation of the word is "fish stone rubbing...

In Japan they are known as Nishikigoi, or living jewels. These brilliantly colored varieties of the Amur carp have been selectively bred by family owned fisheries for generations. Wh...

In Japan, they are known as Nishikigoi, or living jewels. These brilliantly colored varieties of the Amur carp have been selectively bred by family owned fisheries for generations. W...

In Japan, they are known as Nishikigoi, or living jewels. These brilliantly colored varieties of the Amur carp have been selectively bred by family owned fisheries for generations. W...

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