About Ink-a-Fish, and me
Hi there! My name is Cole Sieveking, and I'm a rising senior at Montgomery Bell Academy with a deep passion for the ocean and all its wonders. Since I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the sea, spending countless hours fishing, diving, and spearfishing.
One of my favorite places in the world is Cat Cay, a tiny island in the Caribbean where I’ve had the privilege of growing up. The island has become my second home, a place where I’ve created countless memories lobstering, fishing with my dad, and snorkeling well past dark. This special bond with the ocean has shaped my love for marine life and my desire to protect it.
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at the Bimini Shark Lab, where I furthered my understanding of marine biology and conservation efforts. The experience was transformative, and I plan to return to continue my work there.
A fun fact about me is that my mom water-skied across the Gulf to the Bahamas while pregnant with me, and my dad caught a grouper off the Grand Bahama Bank the same week. This unique family story earned me the nickname “Grouper,” a name that symbolizes my lifelong connection to the ocean.
My ultimate goal is to study marine biology at the University of Miami, where I hope to deepen my knowledge and contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems. I am excited to share my journey and passion with you through this site. Welcome, and thank you for visiting!
Sincerely,
Cole Sieveking
About Accoya Wood: The Perfect Frame for Gyotaku Art and Environmental Stewardship
At Ink-A-Fish, we believe that the frame is not just a supporting element for the artwork, but a crucial part of the story. That’s why we have chosen Accoya wood to frame each of our Gyotaku prints, providing a beautiful and lasting complement to the art, while also aligning with our commitment to environmental sustainability.
Why Accoya Wood?
Accoya wood is renowned for its exceptional durability, stability, and sustainability. Through a specialized process called acetylation, this wood undergoes a transformation that enhances its natural properties, making it more durable and resistant to the elements than traditional wood. This environmentally friendly process ensures that Accoya wood is a responsible choice for both art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Key Characteristics of Accoya Wood:
- Durability: Accoya wood is highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, ensuring that your artwork remains beautifully preserved for generations.
- Stability: With minimal swelling, shrinking, or warping, Accoya wood maintains its shape and integrity over time, providing a stable and reliable frame for your Gyotaku prints.
- Sustainability: Sourced from sustainably managed forests, Accoya wood supports the health of our planet. The acetylation process used in its production significantly reduces environmental impact, making it a wood choice that’s fully recyclable and has a lower carbon footprint than many other options.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The natural, light color of Accoya wood enhances the subtle tones and intricate details of Gyotaku prints, creating a harmonious visual balance that honors the art without overpowering it.
Tying into Environmental Stewardship:
Our commitment to using Accoya wood goes beyond just choosing a high-quality frame. It’s a reflection of our dedication to environmental causes, particularly those that align with the preservation of marine life and sustainable practices. By choosing Accoya, we support the ethos of sustainability that is championed by environmental organizations worldwide.
Sustainable Fisheries: Just as we strive to capture the beauty of marine life through the art of Gyotaku, we are committed to promoting and supporting sustainable fishing practices. Accoya wood, with its sustainable sourcing and low environmental impact, mirrors the responsible harvesting practices of sustainable fisheries. Together, these efforts ensure that both the marine life we celebrate through our art and the forests that provide the materials for our frames are preserved and protected.
Why It Complements Gyotaku Art:
Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese art of fish printing, is deeply connected to nature, capturing the beauty and essence of marine life. Accoya wood, with its sustainable origins and environmentally friendly production, ties in perfectly with this theme. The clean lines and natural finish of Accoya wood frames enhance the organic feel of the prints, allowing the art to take center stage while the frame subtly supports and protects it.
Moreover, by choosing Accoya wood, you’re not just purchasing a frame—you’re supporting a broader commitment to environmental stewardship. This choice reflects the values of preserving the natural world, a cause that is as vital to our art as it is to organizations like the Bimini Shark Lab and the sustainable fisheries that protect our oceans.
By framing our Gyotaku prints with Accoya wood, we’re offering you a product that not only embodies the beauty of nature but also contributes to its preservation. Explore our collection and join us in supporting the harmony between art, nature, and sustainability.
A note on waste:
After creating our Gyotaku prints, we meticulously preserve the fish to ensure nothing goes to waste. By carefully cleaning and filleting the fish, we’re able to enjoy the catch while honoring our commitment to environmental conservancy. This practice not only celebrates the fish’s natural beauty but also supports sustainable fishing, ensuring that each catch is respectfully utilized in full, leaving minimal impact on the marine ecosystem.