A Local Artist Scales Up

BRIDGET SAWITSKY HAS lived by the water all of her life. Manasquan was the place she called home until she settled in Brielle with her husband, Chris, and three adventurous boys, Charlie, Ben and Teddy. Growing up in Manasquan afforded her time on the water, whether it was swimming, boating, rowing or sunbathing; the ocean provided an incredible environment to grow up around as a child.

It was also a time for her to develop her talents as an artist, with help from her mom, Margaret Patterson, a well-known local artist. Bridget and her mother began teaching art classes in Manasquan, and while searching for some inspiration to bring to her classes, she stumbled upon the method of Japanese fish printing known as Gyotaku (ghee-oh-ta-koo).

By definition, “Gyotaku” translates literally into “fish” (gyo) and “rubbing” (taku). The earliest known example of Gyotaku—though this is somewhat contested—traces back to the form of a carp caught in the Mogami River in 1857. The recording of a fisherman’s catch did not originally begin as an art form, but instead as a way to keep track of what was caught. This technique was first used by Japanese fishermen who wanted to make a record of the size and species of fish they caught.

With her boys on the water fishing, coupled with her creativity and interest in something new, Bridget experimented with catches of all kinds and worked to improve her “fish rubbing” skills. As local fishermen caught wind of her work, she began to take on projects for some that wanted to save a “reel” memory of a great day at sea. As demand grew, Bridget (along with her partner Nancy Sonett) founded a business called Sea and Scales, which has since become the unofficial Gyotaku headquarters of the Jersey Shore.

Like a true artist, Bridget is able to create images that are extremely realistic and look like an actual fish that was caught. But she can also tailor the project to meet her clients’ needs and create artwork to match the color-scheme of a specific room or setting. She recently had a work commissioned for a client in Spring Lake, who was looking for a unique piece to capture the “beach town” vibe.

I recently sat down with Bridget to go deeper into the art of Gyotaku:

How did you first hear about Gyotaku?

In 2012, I was giving art lessons with my mom, and we were looking for something that was different from the typical art projects for kids taught in school. We tried it with a small group in a studio in Manasquan, and they loved it. For the next several years, I developed my technique with a lot of practice and did projects for family and friends as they brought their ‘catches’ to me after a successful outing.

Once a fish is caught, how quickly do you need to get started?

It varies. I prefer working with freshly caught fish because the ink takes best and creates the clearest image. But I have also worked with frozen fish for clients bringing their catch back a day or two later.

What do you do with the fish once the project has been completed?

I wash off the ink, put it back on ice and return it to the fisherman. At that point the fish is completely edible, which makes for a delicious dinner!

What is your favorite fish to print?

I do not have a ‘favorite’ that I prefer to work with, rather I prefer fish with very distinct scale patterns. They create more detailed prints that can be truly appreciated and enjoyed.

What is the largest fish that you have worked with?

It was a tuna that was about 4 feet long. I got a phone call from a local angler who asked me to meet at the docks. The fish was taken off the boat, and I did the traditional method of Gyotaku with just the black ink. Then I took it home and added the color!

Do you work with any other sea creatures besides fish?

Yes, I have printed lobsters, shrimp, octopus and crabs. I have also recently used the Gyotaku method of printing to monstera leaves and daffodils.

What’s the best soap for getting your hands clean after working with ink and dead fish?

I don’t have a favorite soap for cleaning my hands after printing. Typically, my hands don’t smell fishy because I am working with fresh fish and they don’t really stink yet. The ink pretty easily washes off, but getting it out from under my nails can be tough.

Every fisherman has a story about “one that got away.” Are there any prints that you didn’t get right and/or had to scrap?

Yes, it often takes more than one attempt to get a clean print. Some creatures are easier than others. But I keep printing until I get one I am pleased with.

Have you actually eaten any of the fish that you’ve worked with? If so, which one was the most delicious?

Absolutely! I would have to say either mahi-mahi or tuna.

How can people find your work to purchase?

My website, seaandscales.com, has all the images for reproductions, and you can find my work at Artisan Spirit in Spring Lake and Jersey Shore Moments Fine Art Gallery and Framing in Manasquan.

Sawitsky’s experience with Gyotaku may have begun as an experiment but has since become a genuine talent. It has helped her make a name for herself, both in the local art scene and on the docks amongst local fishermen. I have seen Sawitsky’s work firsthand and her products (wine bags, kitchen towels and holiday stockings) are finely crafted and great for gifts. Check out her work before it swims away!

Sawitsky can be reached for all “fresh catches” by phone at 732-757-5138. Or, visit her website seaandscales.com.

BY AMY MCCARTHY