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
PRINT PROCESS
The process involves printing inks and rice paper.
Take a class to learn more!
ART CLASSES
Available by appointment
Learn the basics for Gyotaku printing in 3 class formats
Hands On - Make a print to take home!
Art Demo - Learn the specialised process
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
Intro and print demo by Ben (30min)
1 x practice print + 1 x rice paper print (1 hour)
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
Intro and print demo by Ben (30min)
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
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)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.
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
Shosho Adelaide. See > HERE
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