SEAFOOD ART PRINTING
Gyotaku is an ancient Japanese fish printing method that celebrates the connection between food, art, and the sea. At Pipit Restaurant on the Tweed Coast, chef Ben Devlin brings this tradition to life through seasonal seafood prints inspired by the local coastline and seasonal menus.
Pipit is the only Australian fine-dining restaurant offering this unique, integrated art and dining experience — where sustainability, craftsmanship, and creativity meet.
We share gyotaku through:
Prints & posters
Art classes
Private dining packages
Private commissions
Each Gyotaku art print is handmade in Pipit’s studio and using local fish species. Prints are available for purchase and display throughout the restaurant, offering guests a visual connection to Pipit’s coastal story.
PRINT PROCESS
Gyotaku involves direct printing ink on to rice paper.
Take a class to learn more!
ART CLASSES
Learn the basics of Gyotaku printing in 2 class formats
Hands On - Make your own print! (2hr)
Watch Art Demo - Watch and learn the specialised process (45mins)
Public classes are available on Mon mornings (or any day with private dining)
These unique classes suits chefs, artists, fishermen, foodies, families, couples and corporate groups.
OPTION 1 - MAKE YOUR OWN PRINT CLASS (best for 4-6 people)
The hands on class includes
Private use (whole venue to yourselves) for attentive and relaxed class
VIP and direct access to award-winning chefs in a unique, small setting
All art equipment (inks and rice paper).
Fish to print (species are subject to seasonal availability). Must be comfortable to handle fish and whole animals
Coffee, tea, water
Aprons available (as optional)
RUN SHEET
Inking and printing demo by Ben (30min) - seated a Chefs Counter
1 x practice print + 1 x rice paper print (1 hour) - standing at kitchen benches
Retouching demo of eyes and linework by Ben (15mins) - seated a Chefs Counter
Retouch own prints (15mins). You will have a base print at the end of the class and extra linework can be done at home too
FAQS
Best for 4 to 6 people due to space and nature of the activity (larger groups please book the demo format)
The class is standing at kitchen benches and seated at counters
No prior art experience needed. This is designed for beginners
Suits all ages. Kids over 10 and teenagers are welcome with parents
Vegetarian classes are available - please email for requests
PUBLIC CLASS: $260pp when min 5 people
PRIVATE CLASS: rates from $2000 group, with more tailored inclusions
PRIVATE CLASSES (PREMIUM ADD ONS)
Whole venue just for your group
Private classes includes additional inclusions: resource guide for home practice and a A3-sized Ben Devlin Gyotaku poster to take home
Dining (and food demo talk) can added to private art classes as 3-4 course at Chefs Counters
OPTION 2 - WATCH ART DEMO (best for 8+ people)
This art demonstration format includes
Private use (whole venue to yourselves) for attentive and relaxed class
VIP and direct access to award-winning chefs in a unique, small setting
Introduction, inking and printing demo by Ben (30min)
Linework demonstration with open question and answer time (+ 15mins)
Coffee, tea, water provided
FAQS
Suits 10-14 people due to space (standing or seated at Chefs Counter)
$1500 group ($150pp at 10pax)
ADD ON DINING: Art Demos are best added to private dining bookings at discounted rates
For larger groups or off-site demos (conferences, class excursions etc), please email us for options
ART & PRIVATE DINING PACKAGES
We offer exclusive gyotaku art and dining experiences that are a truly one-of-a-kind!
Class & Lunch Package. 2 hour hands-on class with light 2 course lunch. Best suits 4-6 people
Art & Dining Package. 30min art demo with private dining. Best suits up to 10 people at Chefs Counter or up 18 people at tables
Fishing, Art & Dining Package. Add on a local fishing charter from Gold Coast/ Ballina with Reveling (tour partners) that lets you catch and print a fish you caught. Best suits 4-8 people.
Email admin@pipitrestaurant for our art & dining packages
BOOK ART CLASSES
Email us for all art enquiries - admin@pipirestaurant.com
PRIVATE CLASSES with premium extras and exclusive whole venue use. Available any time by appointment
PUBLIC ART CLASSES. We host open public classes every 2-3 months on Monday mornings.
NEXT CLASS: SCHOOL HOLIDAY SPECIAL = 12 JAN 2025
Designed for beginners, kids, teens and parents
This class suits all ages. We recommend ages over 10 years old for kitchen bench height.
PARENTS can either
A) attend for free to just to watch the class if younger kids
B) pay to participate in the full class. It's a fun thing to do it with your kids!
BOOK ONLNE
Select “Art Class” on 12 JAN 2026
ARTIST STATEMENT CV
The ethos of the artwork (and Pipit’s food) is grounded in maximising whole animals and connecting to local coastal landscapes. The prints also explores:
connection to recipes (each artwork is connected to a menu dish)
biology (features, textures, how fish swim)
locality of produce (noted by supplier, latitude and longitude)
seasonality of produce (prints only can happen when the ingredient is available)
sustainable seafood (we buy based on MCS’ Good Fish guide)
Email for a full artist statement/ artist CV
COMMISSIONS & COLLABORATIONS
RECENT WORKS
Ben’s gyotaku works are on display at
Shosho Adelaide. See > HERE
Tweed Valley Hospital (public art program)
Reed House, Melbourne
Reverie Restaurant, Washington
Contra, New York
Three Blue Ducks, Bellingen
Restaurant Elsie, Magnetic Island
Alphabet Cafe, Brisbane
COMMISSIONS
Contact admin@pipitrestaurant.com for custom projects
This can include:
Recipe commissions (original prints based on your recipe)
Fishing commissions (original prints of something you caught)
Wallpaper and Wall Art commissions
“Artist in Residence” with sustainable fisheries, farmers and agri-tourism businesses Australia-wide.