I taught school, mostly as an elementary classroom teacher, for many years. I guess it's in my blood, because nothing is more satisfying to me than helping someone learn the basics of traditional, professional level gyotaku. I've worked with all ages, from pre-school up and have found that nature printing - in particular gyotaku - is a great leveler. For a little while we're all the same age! In this case, boy, mother, and teacher.

Yesterday Miles and his mother, Sarah, joined me for a 3-hour introduction to gyotaku in my studio. The tilapia didn't behave as well as the little octopus we played with (for some reason the tilapia's scales didn't want to print as prominently as they usually do), but you can see a good time was had by all.

My week in Ocean Park was wonderful. I enjoyed every bit of it: the teaching, the showing of my work, the beach walks ... I hope it will be an annual event.

Here are a few photos that capture the spirit.