Exploring the traditional Japanese printing practice of Gyotaku, Stephen Coombe creates direct ink impressions of marine life using non-toxic inks on delicate washi paper. Each image is formed through gentle, direct rubbing contact of Coombe’s catch to record the impression of the textured surface, transferred directly onto the paper.
The fragile nature of washi paper leaves little room for correction. Every mark remains, demanding patience, precision and close attention to the balance of positive and negative space of the subject.
Within this meticulous process, Coombe finds a meditative rhythm, balancing the technical control and the subtle unpredictability of ink, pressure and touch. The resulting works carry both the physical trace of their subject and the presence of the artist’s hand.
Coombe’s practice grows from a lifelong love of fishing, cooking and sharing meals first with his great-grandfather and now his own family.
Documenting each catch transforms these experiences into lasting records of time spent together, while also informing and enriching his broader painting practice.
Through these works, Coombe honours both the beauty of Australia's marine life and the relationships forged through a shared connection to the sea.
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Artist Talk Thursday 27 August, 5.30 pm, followed by the opening event from 6.00 pm
Live demonstration Saturday 29 August, 12.00 pm
Redcliffe Arrow Squid 2025
Sumi ink on Washi paper
40.5 x 30.5 cm
$500 Framed
Natures Offering 2023
Sumi ink and acrylic on Washi Paper
53.5 x 83cm
$1000 Framed
In Motion 2026
Sumi ink and acrylic on Washi Paper
53.5 x 83 cm
$1000 Framed
Hunger 2026
Sumi Ink on Washi Paper
48 x 86 cm
$1000 Framed
A Rose By Any Other Name 2026
Acrylic paint on Washi Paper
57 x 40 cm
$800 Framed
Floundering Around 2025
Sumi Ink on Washi Paper
57 x 40 cm
$800 Framed
Jumping Tarpon 2026
Sumi in on Washi Paper
57 x 41 cm
$800 Framed
Zen Flathead 2026
Sumi Ink on Washi Paper
48 x 48 cm
$700 Framed
Kedron Brook Unwanted Guest 2026
Sumi Ink on Washi Paper
29 x 40.5 cm
$500 Framed
Double Whiting 2025
Sumi Ink on Washi Paper
40.5 x 29 cm
$500 Framed
Mud Crab 2026
Acrylic Paint on Washi Paper
40 x 36.5 cm
$500 Framed
A Light Touch 2025
Sumi ink on Washi Paper
29 x 40.5 cm
$500 Framed
Sicklefish 2025
Sumi ink on washi paper
29 x 40.5 cm
$500 Framed
Mooloolaba Prawn Ascent 2026
Acrylic paint and Washi Paper
26 x 21 cm
$350 Framed
Mooloolaba Prawn Descent 2026
Acrylic pain and Washi Paper
26 x 21 cm
$350 Framed
Trevally 2024
Sumi ink on washi Paper
46 x 85.5 cm
$500
Double Sicklefish 2026
Sumi in on Washi Paper
68.5 x 56 cm
$600
Giant Oystercracker 2023
Sumi Ink on Washi Paper
59.5 x 84.5 cm
$700
Double Flounder 2025
Sumi Ink on Washi Paper
59 x 45 cm
$500
Head To Toe 2026
Sumi ink on Kitakata Washi Paper
47.5 x 54 cm
$300
Side Profile Flathead 2026
Sumi ink on Washi Paper
33.5 x 48 cm
$250
Moreton Flathead 2026
Sumi ink on Kitakata Washi Paper
50 x 35 cm
$250
Feeling Blue 2024
Acrylic Paint on Washi Paper
39.5 x 50 cm
$350
From Below 2024
Acrylic Paint on Washi Paper
48 x 38.5 cm
$350
Medium Ocotopus Portrait 2026
Sumi ink on washi paper
45.5 x 39.5 cm
$350
Medium Octopus Landscape 2026
Sumi ink on washi paper
39.5 x 45cm
$350
Jumping Colour 2026
Acrylic paint and sumi ink on Washi Paper
38.5 x 46 cm
$350
Tarpon 2026
Sumi ink on Washi Paper
37 x 45.5 cm
$250
Guns Up 2026
Acrylic Paint on Washi Paper
39 x 51 cm
$250
Double Arrow Squid 2025
Sumi ink on Washi paper
35.5 x 46 cm
$350
Redcliffe Arrow Squid Unframed 2025
Sumi ink on Washi Paper
45.5 x 37.5 cm
$250
Mooloolaba Prawn Unframed 2026
Acrylic Paint on Washi Paper
35.5 x 28 cm
$200
Port Of Brisbane Flounder 2022
Sumi ink on washi paper
28.5 x 44 cm
$200
Redcliffe Flounder Landscape 2 2025
Sumi ink on washi paper
34 x 45 cm
$250
Redcliffe Flounder Landscape 1 2025
Sumi ink on washi paper
33.5 x 45.5 cm
$250
Redcliffe Flounder Portrait 2025
Sumi ink on washi paper
45.5 x 35 cm
$250
Suckerfish 2022
Sumi ink on washi paper
28 x 60.5 cm
$250
Red Snapper 2025
Sumi ink on washi paper
45.5 x 39 cm
$250
Tailor Landscape 2024
Sumi ink on Washi paper
38 x 44.5 cm
$200
Tailor Portrait 1 2024
Sumi ink on Washi paper
45 x 37 cm
$200
Tailor Portrait 2 2024
Sumi ink on Washi paper
47 x 38 cm
$200
Just Keep Swimming 2023
Sumi ink on Washi paper
37.5 x 30 cm
$150
Mud Crab Unframed 2026
Acrylic Paint on Washi Paper
65.5 x 46 cm
$350
Yellow Spotted Rock Cod 2022
Sumi ink on Kitakata Washi Paper
60 x 90 cm
$600
Barramundi 2022
Sumi ink on Washi Paper
40 x 58 cm
$400
Landscape Octopus 2 2026
Sumi ink on Washi Paper
57.5 x 85.5 cm
$700
Landscape Ocotopus 1 2026
Sumi ink on Washi Paper
57 x 84.5 cm
$700
Portrait Octopus 1 2026
Sumi ink on Washi Paper
85.5 x 57.5 cm
$700
Tilapia Orange 2026
Sumi ink and acrylic paint on Washi Paper
39 x 45.5 cm
$250
Tilapia Green 2026
Sumi ink and acrylic paint on Washi Paper
39 x 45.5 cm
$250
Tilapia Blue 2026
Sumi ink and acrylic paint on Washi Paper
39 x 45.5 cm
$250
Tilapia Pink 2026
Sumi ink and acrylic paint on Washi Paper
39 x 45.5 cm
$250
Solo Traveler 2025
Acrylic Paint on Canvas Board
30.5 x 23 cm
$300
Coral Path 2025
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
50.5 x 40.5 cm
$400
Blue Below 2025
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
61 x 45.5 cm
$400
Pink Teeth 2025
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
30.5 x 40.5 cm
$300
