If you love traditional artistic practices, precision in studio work and nature, then this is the episode for you!
Matthew Monahan has worked for the last several years not just as a teacher, but also as a practitioner of the Japanese artform called gyotaku. This is the artistic practice of taking a live fish, posing it, spreading ink across it and pressing paper on the fish in order to get a print or impression of the fish in all its' glory. Yes, each gyotaku print that passes Matt's careful eye, is indeed glorious! His work displays the beauty of nature with the elegance that only comes from a master's hand.
How did this Chattanooga teacher become an expert in an ancient Japanese art form?
Is this practice art or conservation?
Is Matt Monahan the "Audubon of fish" ?
Does a gyotaku art studio stink?
If these are the kinds of questions running through your mind, then you will just have to listen in on episode 2 of Chatt Art to satiate your curiosity.
The print above entitled, 'Brook and Brown' is not only a type of family portrait -- yes, Matt thinks fish for portraiture -- it is also an excellent example of Matt's extensive treatment of his back ground materials. This is one of the beautiful works we reference in the episode. This is the work we looked at when discussing his three layer watercolor wash technique. So beautiful...
This is a gorgeous impression of White Oak leaves. The Mighty Bluegill doesn't limit his talents to only the aquatic realm... oh no, curiosity extents to the plant world as well.
These are the leaf prints referred to during our conversation.
To see Matt's work online, check out
themightybluegill.com or Instagram.com/themightybluegill
To see Matt's work in real life, stop in Goodman Coffee in Warehouse Row. There are several large Matthew Monahan prints on display there. And make sure you grab a cup of coffee... it's killer!
1110 Market St. Chattanooga, TN 37402
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