Jeffrey Peacock learned to fish alongside his artist father, James, on the rivers and lakes of Maine, most memorably on the Kennebec in Georgetown. Following his father’s artistic inclinations, Jeff began carving bird and fish sculptures for regional galleries. He then moved on to his present art practice of gyotaku.
Gyotaku (pronounced gee-oh-tak-oo) is a traditional Japanese method of fish printing that translates directly as “fish” (gyo) and “impression” (taku). The practice dates back to the mid-1800s, when it served as a practical way for Japanese fishermen to record the size and the species of their catch. This method is still used in parts of Japan, where gyotakus can be found hanging at small seaside tackle and bait shops.
The process is simple. Nontoxic sumi ink is applied to a freshly caught fish, and then the fish is covered with a dampened sheet of rice paper (washi). The image on the paper is created by careful hand rubbing and pressing. When deftly done, as in Peacock’s work, the resulting image reflects the real-life texture and form of the subject. It is not a simulacrum – a representation of something – but rather a piece of art that employs the subject in its creation. Peacock often uses color and metallic paint to enhance the initial rubbing, adding color to the piece afterward with transparent washes of ink and the use of an airbrush. He also experiments with various colors and textures of rice paper. The combination of Peacock’s artistry with the verity of the fish comes through as an interesting take on our relationship with nature.
Jeffrey Peacock may be reached at (207) 632-5255 or through his website. His work is currently in these galleries: Edgecomb Potters in York and Portland, Maine, N.W. Barrett in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Canterberry Hill Gallery in Rockport, Massachusetts, and Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville, Maine.