Bonnie Warecki Recognized for Gyotaku Artwork

“Schooling Around”

Bonnie Warecki, a local artist specializing in “inking” fish, was recently honored for her artwork. In March, Warecki was the “Featured Artist of the Month” at the Collier County Museum of the Everglades in Florida, and in May, she was the “Artist of the Year” for the 2012 Annual Ladies Tarpon Tournament in Marathon, Florida.

Warecki “inks” her fish using Gyotaku, an ancient Asian art form. Gyotaku, pronounced Gee-o-taku, literally means “fish rubbing,” a direct image transfer process.

The process begins by cleaning the surface of the fish and killing any bacteria. The ink is applied directly to the fish in the desired color patterns. A piece of paper (often rice paper) or fabric is then laid on top of the fish and carefully rubbed to obtain the desired impressions. Depending on the fish, if done properly, almost every scale is seen just as it existed.

Warecki says that she receives a great sense of personal satisfaction with the completion of each new piece. “I love the change-of-pace, personal freedom, and opportunity to further express my creativity in a new way everyday – just like the ever-changing majesty of the Door County peninsula.”

Fishermen are welcome to call Warecki if they catch a fish they want immortalized.

Warecki’s work can currently be seen at Cottage Row Gallery in Fish Creek and Lakeshore Adventures in Baileys Harbor. She is also active in the Door County Art League.

For more information visit http://www.gyotakufishart.com or call 920.839.5457.