TYLER JENSEN was introduced to gyotaku at age twelve by his father looking for a stylish alternative to taxidermy. The capture of nature’s raw beauty in such exquisite detail had him hooked.

After graduating from Washington State University and Art Center College of Design for Art Direction, Tyler honed his creative skills in the commercial advertising world making campaigns for brands like Cheetos, Tostitos, and the NBA.

Nearly two decades later, Tyler retired from advertising and returned to gyotaku full-time to pursue his passion for art and nature. You can visit his studio in Leavenworth, Washington and see his work in festivals, galleries, and tasting rooms across the great northwest.

  

 

 

SO WHAT IS GYOTAKU?

Gyo "fish" + taku "impression" is the Japanese art of fish printing. The practice, which dates back to the mid-1800s, originated from fishermen recording their catch but has since become a craft of its own.

Ink made from pine soot is applied directly to the subject then overlayed with rice or "washi" paper and gently pressed, producing highly detailed images with shape, texture, even delicate vein and scale patterns.

Pacific Gyotaku specializes in this traditional process with a focus on freshwater fish, plants and animals of the Pacific Northwest.