This April the Mobile Makerspace traveled back in time to become natural historians and learn about the ancient art of gyotaku! Gyotaku, from “gyo” meaning fish, and “taku” meaning impression, is a traditional Japanese method of fish printing that dates back to the mid-1800s. We started off each session by talking about the history of gyotaku, the cultural importance behind it, and the scientific benefits of it. We also looked through a book written by Julia Tinker to see examples of how artists use the practice of gyotaku today!
We then had our maker session, where each participant made fish printings of their own to take home. While we could not use real fish, we used the next best thing, which was silicone molds of real fish. All of our silicone molds were of fish native to the Pacific Northwest! We used rice paper, water-soluble paint, and rollers to capture our fish, and the students finished every artistic creation by signing their names.
Another part of our activity this April was creating a community fish print at each library we visited. The Lebanon Public Library was kind enough to volunteer space to display these art pieces, so stop by in May to see prints from Sweet Home, Brownsville, Lebanon, and Scio libraries!
Missed us this month? Come join us in May to learn about green energy, solar power, circuits, and create our very own solar critters. Each participant will be able to make and take one solar critter home with them. Thanks for a great month, and hope to see you soon! You can find out where the Mobile Makerspace will be visiting in May by visiting our ‘Events’ page.
