Gyotaku by Naoki — Local services in Oʻahu

A Hawaii arts experience without comparison: step into a nondescript garage-woodshop, only to find a print house / frame shop / display room tucked behind a vinyl curtain reminiscent of a fish freezer.

Enter below black-and-white photographs paying homage to Japanese fishers of generations past. Ink prints are drawn from imprints of local fish of all kinds — ranging from octopus to ahi tuna; color is added with expertly applied brushstrokes. Frames can be specialty made of local indigenous woods. Surf boards can also be modified with fish paintings on the underside.

Naoki (owner) is not only an impressive local artist / master craftsman, but also a riveting conversationalist. With a background in Marine Biology, Naoki can speak on all levels regarding his art form, and the natural oceanic beauty he draws his...

Naoki was very gracious and chatted with us even though not really open for visitors. Gyotaku was the fisherman's way of making a record of his catch--by placing a paper over his fish and making a rubbing that captures the size, shape, texture of the fish. Naoki has uncovered the artistic and spiritual expressiveness of the fisherman and the natural world through his work with the gyotaku technique. We were lucky to view examples displayed...

My family and I visited Naoki to see his unique art and learn about it. He was so friendly and welcoming, i could have hung out all day just to hear him talk story. I hadn't intended to buy anything, but we found a couple pieces that we really connected with. I will be leaving Hawaii soon after being here for 10 years, but those two paintings will always remind us of these beautiful islands and warm people....