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GYOTAKU PRINTING

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SEAFOOD ART PRINTING

Gyotaku is a Japanese printing method from the 1800s traditionally used by fishmongers to record and display their fish.

In this same spirit, chef Ben Devlin makes prints to share about our menus and regional landscapes. We are the only Australian fine-dining restaurant offering this unique experience.

Pipit is mostly a restaurant…but sometimes an art studio!


 

To share about Gyotaku, we offer:

  • Original prints & posters

  • Art classes & demonstrations

  • Chef’s Table art dinners

  • Private commissions

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The process involves printing inks and rice paper.
Take a class to learn more!

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ART CLASSES
Available by appointment

Learn the basics for Gyotaku printing in 3 class formats

  1. Hands On - Make a print to take home!

  2. Art Demo - Learn the specialised process

  3. Food x Art Demo - Watch art demo and taste food demos connecting our whole-animal ethos

Classes are on Mon or Tues mornings (or any day when in conjunction with private dining)

OPTION 1 - HANDS ON CLASS (best for 4-6 people)

 

The hands on class includes

  • Specialised info and direct access to chefs in a fun and small setting

  • All art equipment (inks and rice paper).

  • Fish to print (species are subject to seasonal availability). Must be comfortable to handle whole animals

  • Vegetarian classes are also available - please request at the time of booking

  • BYO FISH OPTION - If you are fisherman you can bring a whole fish you caught yourself! Best to be dried in fridge for 24-48hrs

  • Coffee, tea, water, snack provided

  • Art prints and posters are available for purchase on the day

  • Resource sheet for suppliers and practising at home


SAMPLE RUN SHEET

  1. Intro and print demo by Ben (30min)

  2. 1 x practice print + 1 x rice paper print (1 hour)

  3. Retouch linework demo by Ben (30mins)

    You will have a base print at the end of the class (extra linework can be done at home as optional)

PRIVATE BOOKING FAQS

  • Best with 4-5 people due to space and nature of the activity (larger groups please book the demo class format)

  • Bookings are required 1 week ahead. $250pp for minimum 4 people

  • The class is standing at kitchen benches and seated at counters

  • No prior art experience needed, This is for beginners


OPTION 2 - ART DEMO (best for 8-10+pax)

This demonstration format includes

  • Specialised info and direct access to chefs in a fun and small setting

  • Vegetarian classes are also available - please request at the time of booking

  • Coffee, tea, water provided

  • Art prints and posters are available for purchase on the day


SAMPLE RUN SHEET

  1. Intro and print demo by Ben (30min)

  2. Open question and answer time (+ 15mins)

PRIVATE BOOKING FAQS

  • Best for 8-10 pax. Max 14 people due to space (standing or seated at kitchen counter)

  • $1450 ($145pp at 10pax) when stand-alone event

  • Demos can be added to private dining bookings at reduced rates

  • For larger groups over 14pax or off-site demos (class excursions etc), please email us for options


OPTION 3 = FOOD & ART DEMO CLASS (best 4-8 people)

 

“Food x Art” Class shows the gyotaku art process and how that connects to maximising whole ingredients (see our Produce Ethos > HERE)

This class includes

  • Specialised info and direct access to chefs in a fun and small setting

  • Gyotaku art talk and demonstration

  • Food talk and demonstrations with tasters (4-6 savoury snacks)

  • Art prints and posters are available for purchase on the day

  • Coffee, tea, water, food tasters/snacks provided.

  • Vegetarian classes are also available - please request at the time of booking


SAMPLE
RUN SHEET

  1. ART - Intro and art print demo by Ben (30-45min)
    Gyotaku print process of 1 x squid or fish (type is subject to seasonal availability)

  2. FOOD - cooking demos by Ben (45-60mins)
    How to maximise produce and minimise waste by showing 5-6 ways the printed ingredient can be used in cooking
    Techniques and principles may include preserves, garums, vinegars, ferments, wood-fire cooking and cured meats
    Includes eating canapés that demonstrate these techniques

BOOKING FAQS

  • Bookings are required 1 week ahead. $280pp minimum 4

  • The class is seated at counters looking into open kitchen. Max 8 people for best viewing

  • Food is included, please note any food allergies and dietaries

 

BOOK ART CLASSES

  • PRIVATE CLASS. EMAIL US hello@pipitrestaurant.com for private classes and demos (4pax +)

  • PUBLIC CLASS. Look out for more 2025 classes coming soon.

 
 
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ARTIST STATEMENT CV

The print works explores the:

  • kitchen journey. Each artwork is connected to a menu dish

  • features and textures of ingredients

  • produce connections in recipes  

  • geographic location and connected suppliers/ farmers 

  • seasonality of produce (prints only happen when it is available)  

Learn more > HERE (download PDF artist statement/ artist CV)

COMMISSIONS & COLLABORATIONS

Commissioned works can be seen at

  1. Shosho Adelaide. See > HERE

  2. Tweed Valley Hospital Public Art program

Contact admin@pipitrestaurant.com for custom projects

This includes:

  • Recipe commissions (original prints based on your recipe)

  • Fisherman commissions (original prints of something you caught)

  • Wallpaper and Wall Art commissions (large scale works where we scan and scale works).

  • “Artist in Residence” with sustainable fisheries & farmers Australia-wide. Customise prints for mutual exchange on produce that informs our kitchen.

  • Specialised print (eg rice paper prints for surfboard decals)

  • Demos & excursions for school groups and corporate groups