a little bit about what we do

Hi, my name is Bridget and I grew up in Manasquan, New Jersey and have always loved the beach, ocean and all things related to it.  Several years ago, my mother and I were teaching classes at her art studio involving several art types.  While searching for different forms of art to teach, I came across and learned the art of Gyotaku.      

I  immediately fell in love with the process and the manner in which it captures each fish's unique scale pattern.  With the help of local fishermen friends, I was able to have  access to multiple types and sizes of fish and was able to create these images.  This is how NJShore Gyotaku came to life.

NJShore Gyotaku has expanded its products from rice paper onto fabric with the help of the talented designer and seamstress Nancy Sonett.  

Hi!  My name is Nancy.  Bridget and I have known each other since childhood from my years of summering at Manasquan Beach.  I have always enjoyed creating with fabric since childhood when my mother taught me the art of sewing.  My favorite errand as a child was a trip to the fabric store and have continued to enjoy working with materials into adulthood.  When Bridget called me with her idea, I was only too happy to help!  

Together, we are now offering Gyotaku reproductions on pillows, table linens, tea towels, beach bags, wine bottle bags, Christmas stockings and Christmas Tree skirts.  We hope that our new endeavor will bring the ocean and it's treasures to you and your home.

Gyotaku is the Japanese art of making fish prints on delicate rice paper.  This art form reproduces the exact features and characteristics of actual, individual fish.  In Japanese, "gyo" translates to "fish" and "taku" translates to "stone rubbing", which refers to the technique of fish rubbing. Gyotaku originated in Japan in the early 1800's as a means to measure and record commercial fisherman's catch.  Today, Gyotaku is an alternative to taxidermy and mounting fish, and has become a recognized form of art.