Kaylee Hettenbaugh shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Kaylee, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
When I started showing my work, I was immediately surprised at the variety of interested customers, and the many ways that they connect with my art.
Avid fishermen commissioning their trophy fish are to be expected, but I just as often encounter people for whom a particular species invokes a memory of a fishing trip, and they decide to collect my art to remind them of their experience that day.
I also have those who just love fish and marine biology and appreciate my attention to detail.
Then there are others who are simply drawn in by the colors of a particular piece, or the fish’s facial expression.
It has been amazing to see how many different people all can have a deep appreciation and love for the same artwork, and I love to hear the stories that a single fish can bring out in each unique patron.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Kaylee Hettenbaugh, owner of Mirror Image Fish Printing, an art gallery and studio located on Tybee Island, GA. Here I specialize in the Japanese artform of Gyotaku; aka ‘Fish Printing’. Along with being a passionate artist, I am also an avid fisherman, and SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) alumni.
Gyotaku originated before cameras as a way for fishermen to record their catch of the day. It begins with laying the fish flat, painting it with ink, placing rice paper or fabric overtop, and then pressing it down. The impression is transferred to the paper, and when it is lifted, the mirror image of the fish is revealed.
The ink that I choose to use for the printing process is traditional black sumi ink. It is non-toxic, therefore once the fish is rinsed off, it is completely safe to eat or be used as bait.
Once the printing is complete, I move to the easel and use watercolors to paint in the coloration of the fish, along with any characterizing details such as spots or stripes.
My goal in the color phase is to take care to paint the fish as accurately as possible to what it looked like when coming out of the water. To preserve both the memory of the catch and the full beauty of the fish.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Undeniably, my parents have always been my biggest influence.
Growing up on a small farm, I was taught early on of the importance of diligence and to taking pride in the work that I do.
I saw my parents exhibit these traits both at home, and in their professions.
I was shown that it is rarely ever easy but having the persistence to follow through with the hard tasks until they are complete produces rewarding results that you are proud to attach your name to.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I have come to realize that for a long time I have held myself back by letting the scrutiny of others hinder my confidence. In recent years I have made it a personal challenge to put myself out there more and boldly share my work and talents with the world.
I am very grateful that I was able to gather the courage to do so, as it has brought many great people and opportunities into my life.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Honesty, hard-work, loyalty and support, be it during the hard times or the fun times alike.
And catching great fish, of course!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m able to get into a flow state with my painting practice. The lines are bold, the colors are blending perfectly, and in what feels like a blink, hours have passed, and a beautiful fish sits in front of me, ready to leap off the page.
It’s a similar peace that I find in a great day on the water. In rhythm with the ocean and crew, landing the fish you’ve come for, and before you know it the day has gone by, it was amazing, and I’m left in awe of what I have been lucky enough to experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mirrorimagefishprinting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirrorimage_fishprinting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirrorimage.fishprinting/
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