Customer Reviews

Gyotaku Fish Impressions: The Art of Japanese Fish Printing

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you are looking for technical information regarding gyotaku, this book will not help you much at all. In that case, you will be much better served by considering Bethmann's "Nature Printing with Herbs, Fruits & Flowers" which has a small gyotaku section. If you are looking for examples of artistic presentation of gyotaku prints, this book provides 53 color plates of fish prints done by the author. That's not what I was looking for (sigh).

A beautiful book. I picked up this book out of curiosity and was impressed by the quality of the prints themselves. It made me want to go out and print some fish myself. My only complaint is that I wanted to see some more detailed writing on technique, though his comentary (on each print) in terms of the different breeds and catching of the fish involved was entertaining and disarmingly free of pretentions.

It was quite by accident that I stumbled upon this gem, for I am neither an angler nor an artist. Noted outdoor writer, Doug Olander, has assembled a most extraordinary collection of unusual artwork--the product of his hobby which is an artform from Japan that I had never encountered called Gyotaku. Basically, these are "fish rubbings" on rice paper. But that description comes nowhere close to revealing the brilliance and magic of this artform that Olander is now making very accessible to the Western world. He thoroughly describes the art process and then offers a description of each of the 53 large plates (1 per page) composing the remainder of the book. The descriptions are informative and do not assume any particular expertise with fish or fishing (e.g., both common and scientific names are provided throughout). The plates themselves are absolutely gorgeous--all with the most vibrant colors. Many open up doors to some of the most exotic sea creatures I have ever seen--something that is all the more amazing when one considers how these prints are actually made (I won't give away the "secrets" here.) Happily, these prints are available for purchase from the author. (I now have one hanging in my den.) If you are looking for something that is both unusual and intriguingly artistic, you cannot go wrong by grabbing a copy of this book. I'll bet anything that you, too, will be "hooked."

These wonderful gyotaku originals are taken from species caught by the author all over the world. The depth and composition and color of these spectacular prints would be pleasing to any collector, not just anglers.

Enhancing the art, he provides lots of interesting background information about the fish and the locale, as well as the gyotaku art form.

Noted outdoor writer/editor/photographer Doug Olander has taken the Gyotaku artform one step above the run-of-the-mill gyotaku variations you often see printed on wrapping paper at various state fairs and trade shows. The well-crafted, designed and illustrated book is a joy to review. I found the book an enticement to own one of his personally created gyotaku impressions for my very own. A must-have book for anyone who appreciates fish and fish art. Olander is one of the country's top outdoor writers and photographers, and he is destined to be recorded by history as one of the best in his field. I predict the first printing of this book will become a classic and collector's item in the not-to-distant future. I have a copy, and keep and cherish it with my other first edition books, which include works by Jack London and others.

This beautifully done book features an unusual craft; producing paintings from fish imprints. I was intrigued by the concept, and then amazed at the variety, color, and composition possible with the media. (The book's 50+ prints are reproduced on quality glossy stock; some I've framed and matted for an interesting wall display.) Above and beyond the art itself, Olander gives his readers a marine biologist's detailed descriptions of the numerous species of imprinted fish, from the Pacific Northwest to the Carribbean. This is a book that will appeal to art lovers and fishermen alike!

Without any fanfare or hype, Doug Olander has captured the very essence and soul of what this beautiful art form is all about. From the opening pages, to the final print, every image, every word is perfection. I felt as if I was looking into the very souls of the fish he's perserved for eternity. Beautiful, timeless work. Each print suitable for framing. My only regret is that it didn't contain more fish. One of the elements that I personally enjoyed most in the book was the way Doug positioned and grouped the fish. Transending any limitations the one demensional pages may have impossed, he was able to breath life into every fiber of the fish. A classic in the truest sence of the word. Highest, 5 star rating. Michael Fowlkes, Executive Producer, Fox Sports/ Inside Sportfishing Television

You'll never get tired of looking at these amazing pictures. Olander has taken an ancient art form and given it new life as he weaves his expertise as a writer, marine biologist and artist into captivating pictures. Very enjoyable.

How interesting this book is! Mr. Olander surprised me - his book contains a collection of his beautiful gyotaku representations and also an interesting description of the art form itself. On both accounts, a real pleasure.

the author is an accomplished and incredibility talented artist. the paintings are truly beautiful. this book, and therefore, the art work, currently sit on my coffee table in my living room. mr. olander's knowledge of the subject that he paints is also wonderful. i learned more then i ever thought i would want to know about some of these fish, and loved learning it.

in summary, the blend of oriental artwork, the incredible impressions that i took from these wonderful paintings, and overall beauty of his work, makes this a must have book!