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mattytaks

@mattytaks

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Matthew Takakura
@gyotaku_taks

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With gyotaku, there’s always more than what meets the eye. Gyotaku captures a memory, a feeling, an idea, and through this practice I hope to strengthen that connection each fisher/diver carries with their catch. To me, each print is an opportunity for growth. As challenging as some may be, this practice allows me to test my skills, while always striving for finer detail. For every print, I aim to be better than I was before, and I hope to continue improving with each one. Thank you everyone for allowing me to do so. State Record Alfonsino/Kinmedai at 13lbs @gyotaku_taks Videography by @santanasebastian_ ! by @mattytaks

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a year ago

One of the most incredible days out on the water I’ve ever had. As soon as we started our first drift, this cruise whale shark came right up to us. I noticed some fish below, so I figured the whale shark would stick around, dove down, and scored this hefty uku while Niah and Sky were hanging with the shark. Was just unreal how much life we encountered—everything from schools of Uku, Onos, Ulua, and the cherry on top: a whale shark lol. Also, after sooo many tragic Ono encounters within the last two years, finally got one. #KapSpearguns by @mattytaks

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8 days ago

Had a lot of fun learning and detailing on this one. After days of painting and many moments having to genuinely trust the process, this Onaga was finally complete. So many layers/attempts were made at getting the correct colors on this one, and the red acrylic did not want to cooperate very well, but surely enough the pieces began falling into place. This gyotaku was the longest I’ve spent on a painting (tracked hours for majority of the print until I gave up haha). Wrapped things up on this 19lb Onaga with a Koa frame to give it the same attention the fish deserved. Thank you Wally @wallydafisherman for your patience and bringing this opportunity over to me! 🤙 Up next on the agenda is another couple mega Onaga too. #gyotaku by @mattytaks

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a month ago

Near 100lb Ulua for @kanakakus, framed in solid Hawaiian Koa.It’s been about 5 years since I did my first Ulua gyotaku, and in that time, each print has become the stepping stone, building block, and foundation that went into this print. While I felt that it’s been a minute since I had the time to paint with school and such taking priority, it was nice to see this fish come to life after days of painting. Once again, thanks for the continuous support and patience from those that are waiting, and those that have trusted me with their catch. #gyotaku by @mattytaks

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2 months ago

Maile-style lei made from copper and Ti leaf braid. This was a project from the end of last year, and I was really interested in portraying that transition lei go through from function to sculptural. As most lei wilt, colors fade, and physical form change, what remains becomes this structure carrying meaning rather than function. I wanted this piece to exist in this stage, not as a functional (though could) piece, but as a symbol of what remains: the labor of love and intention. by @mattytaks

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3 months ago

I honestly loved how this Kagami Gyotaku came out. From the beginning, I knew I had a clean initial print to work with, and just seeing the pieces fall into place day after day felt so rewarding. Aside from my goal of memorializing that significant catch for each person, I think one of the best parts about Gyotaku is simply getting to paint beautiful fish all day. While Kagami are of course one of the more exceptional of species here in Hawai’i, the more you take a moment to really observe and appreciate the little details, the more you realize the beauty everywhere. Whether it be painting or sculpture, I think nature will always be my greatest inspiration in my artwork.To everyone else waiting for prints, I appreciate the patience and support, and I will be sure to get to each and every one of them as soon as possible. by @mattytaks

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7 months ago

Was pleasantly surprised by this Uku on a previous dive with @skylindell and @niah._.papaya. After hunting around with the single band KAP, I borrowed Niah’s new cannon for a drop, and fittingly this dinosaur put it to the test. Check out the colors on this thing! by @mattytaks

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a year ago

Crown flowers in sterling silver—a symbol of longevity, reformation, and mind. Intangible…This piece began over a year ago as an idea for a Metal Sculpture class however, an attempt, a failure, and tucked away since. Over the past few months I began slowly casting several crown flowers, learning with each attempt, and building a handful to work with. My vision began to grow. This collection is more than what meets the eye, but a reflection of the process it took to create. *Also, bonus Uku-scale inspired ring from carved wax.* Both pieces made through wax casting, centrifuge. by @mattytaks

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a year ago

After a morning of deep drops, no target species, and long breath holds, this giant manta ray came to play around. This morning started off rather slow as we started around 100’, and later pushed to nearly 130’ drops, but still no fish. As we were ending our drifts, got lucky with some killer visuals as this ray did a full 180 to fly over. So awesome. Ended the day plugging a solid uku too afterwards to top things off. Glad to be in the right place at the right time. by @mattytaks

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a year ago

A couple new additions to the temporary collection! From bottom fishing to diving, a 50 pound Ono, Uku, and the state record Gindai. It’s always fun getting to see each finished piece, but having 3 at once?! Just super sick seeing them all together. by @mattytaks

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a year ago

Lots of fun this winter break with favorable winds, successful dives, and a couple gyotaku! Started the year off a little different with this rice paper gyotaku, and the results were well worth the challenge. Blessed as always do the things I love! by @mattytaks

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2 years ago

It’s not everyday you see a 30+ pound Uku surface, so when @kurtischongkee hit me up with this beast, I knew just how special this fish was. This print was started nearly 4 months ago, and finally got it wrapped up this last week. I believe that this is my best work yet (for now), fueling the drive to be better with each opportunity I get. To all those who’ve trusted me with prints in the past or currently, thank you for the patience and allowing me to do what I enjoy. #gyotaku by @mattytaks

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2 years ago