Art is presented to the world in different mediums. An art form many are unaware of, however, is Gyotaku, also known as fish printing.

On Wed., Jan. 21, marine science teacher Tammy Orilio and her class took part in fish printing. Orilio brought in dead fish for students to use.

Gyotaku is a traditional Japanese art form that involves fish being cleaned, dried and cast in ink before being pressed onto paper, creating a detailed, realistic print. Originally used by fishermen to document catches, Gyotaku is now a recognized art form practiced in many places across East Asia and the South Pacific.

“I like to try new things,” Orilio said. “I’ve been doing fish printing for three years now, but now I added scientific measurements and other aspects.”

Walking into the classroom, students were immediately hit with a mix of wonder and confusion by the sight (and smell) of dozens of fish on the desks. After documenting the measurements of each fish, students got to paint their fish in whatever colors or designs they desired.

The results were a wide array of almost 20 distinct prints, all of different tones, hues and types of fish, ranging from salmon to carps to swordfish.

This activity, which combined the two disciplines, was not only a fun opportunity for students to express themselves creatively, but a unique outlet for students to learn more about marine life.