Frequently:asked:questions

What kind of paper do you use?

I use a variety of handmade kozo type papers ranging in textures and weights from 30-80 gsm. Generally, the thinner the paper, the easier to use, however, the heavier the paper, the better the results. For beginners, I recommend “Ma” paper offered at Oriental Art Supply or for more advanced papers, try Hiromi Paper.

What kind of ink do you use?

For my monochromatic, traditional prints, I exclusively grind my own ink from sumi ink sticks. It gives me much more control over consistency for whatever application I need it for. Bottled inks are fine, but they usually are not true sumi ink, rather a pigment that is made to mimic sumi ink. These work fine, but I prefer to customize true sumi to match the results that I seek. For both ink sticks and bottled inks, try Oriental Art Supply or Hiromi Paper.

Does the paper smell afterwards?

Depending on how fresh (or not fresh) the subject is, the paper will smell for a few days. But the urauchi process (wet mounting) will immediately eliminate all odors and the paper will smell as if new.

How many prints can you make from a single fish?

That’s completely up to you. But I usually make six attempts on a single subject. My first and second attempts are what I need to dial in my process. By the third and fourth, I should be getting the results that I want. If I am unable to achieve it by my sixth attempt, I will put the specimen away and give myself some time to think about how to go about it on another day.

Do you touch up the print afterwards?

Other than rendering in the eye, I prefer to keep it as-is. If I were to add, embellish, or fix something afterwards, it will appear that way and I find it displeasing. The print no longer is a print and begins to move towards a painting. Rather than try to improve a mediocre print, I find it a much better use of time to try again and make an effort to improve my process. This is a self-imposed rule. You as the artist are free to do whatever you wish. That is the beauty of art.

Can you eat the fish afterwards?

Absolutely. As long as I keep my printing sessions short (a couple hours) and the fish remains cold. True, hand-ground sumi ink is non-toxic and water soluble so it washes off easily.