What is Gyotaku
Gyotaku is a revered Japanese art form dating back to the mid-1800s, originally developed by fishermen as a way to document their most prized catches. What began as a practical record-keeping method has since evolved into a deeply expressive and collectible art tradition.
Using traditional sumi ink and delicate washi paper, the fish itself becomes the printing plate. Each specimen is carefully inked by hand and gently pressed onto paper, creating a life-sized, intricately detailed impression. Every scale, fin, and contour is transferred with remarkable fidelity - preserving not only the anatomical precision of the fish, but its unique character and presence.
No two impressions are ever the same. Each print carries subtle variations in pressure, ink saturation, and gesture, making every piece a singular, unrepeatable work of art.
Today, Gyotaku lives at the intersection of science and soul - where natural history meets aesthetic reverence. It is both documentation and devotion. A quiet honoring of the sea, its creatures, and the fleeting moment between capture and release.
Through this practice, the ephemeral becomes permanent. The encounter becomes an imprint. And the imprint becomes legacy.
Our Team
Robert B. Chenoweth
FounderInstructor | Speaker | Consultant | Dealer
Robert is a dedicated steward of Gyotaku and a leading voice in its contemporary evolution. As a Gyotaku instructor at the Japanese Culture Center, he is committed to preserving and teaching the traditional Japanese art of fish printing with both technical rigor and cultural respect. Through hands-on instruction, he introduces students to the discipline, patience, and reverence required to honor the medium’s origins while cultivating their own artistic expression.
Beyond the classroom, Robert is a sought-after keynote speaker, offering thoughtful insight into Gyotaku’s historical significance, its modern resurgence, and its positioning within the global art market. His perspective bridges tradition and commerce - illuminating how heritage practices can thrive within contemporary collecting culture.
An avid angler, art collector, and dealer, Robert’s work lives at the intersection of sport, storytelling, and fine art. His passion for connecting individuals with meaningful works extends beyond curation; it reflects a deep belief that art should feel personal, experiential, and accessible.
This philosophy led him to create PaperFin - a modern, inkless approach to fish printing designed to remove the mess and intimidation often associated with traditional methods. The PaperFin Inkless Fish Printing Kits preserve the spirit of Gyotaku while offering a streamlined, approachable experience for anglers, families, and aspiring artists alike. By blending innovation with reverence, Robert continues to expand Gyotaku’s reach without compromising its soul.
Contact: Robert@thegyotaku.com
Creative DirectorJacelyn Rene
Artist | Curator | Experiential Director | Dealer
Jacelyn is a watercolor and Gyotaku artist whose creative voice has been shaped by years spent freediving, spearfishing, and living intimately alongside the waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Florida Keys. Each descent beneath the surface, each encounter with marine life, informs her understanding of form, movement, and reverence. This proximity gives her work an authenticity and emotional depth that extends far beyond aesthetic representation.
Working fluidly between watercolor and fish printing, Jacelyn approaches Gyotaku through a distinctly non-traditional lens. While rooted in the historic technique, her process intentionally departs from strict adherence to convention. Each print becomes a foundation rather than a final statement - a starting point for imaginative reinterpretation. Through layered watercolor enhancement, she introduces vibrancy, and unexpected color palettes that breathe new life into the form.
Jacelyn collaborates with private collectors, chefs, and cultural partners to bring art into new and unexpected contexts. Her work bridges fine art with immersive dining and lifestyle experiences, transforming walls, tables, and shared spaces into environments that feel intentional and transportive.
As Experience Curator for The Imprint Experience, she merges her artistic practice with curatorial vision and event production. Under her direction, Gyotaku, cuisine, and culture converge in thoughtfully designed gatherings where art is not merely displayed - it is lived, tasted, and felt. Each experience reflects her belief that creativity is most powerful when it connects people back to nature, memory, and one another.
Contact: Jacelyn@thegyotaku.com