Gareth Bekker Fine Art

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Gareth Bekker Fine Art South African ocean artist focusing primarily on stippling, gyotaku, and photography.

Garrick (Lichia amia)Affectionately known as "the gentleman of the sea," the noble garrick is one of the most sought-aft...
01/09/2026

Garrick (Lichia amia)

Affectionately known as "the gentleman of the sea," the noble garrick is one of the most sought-after fish along the Wild Coast during the annual sardine run.

They migrate each year from the Western Cape all the way to Zululand and are frequently encountered by anglers and spearos along the way.

Due to fishing pressure, they aren't a species I would generally harvest. So when my neighbour landed this beauty, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for a print.

I often talk about "Goldilocks fish", not too small, not too big, just the right harvest size. Measuring 83cm, this was one of those fish, and it couldn't have gone to a more deserving family.

As a Transkei-based Gyotaku artist, my portfolio simply wasn't complete without this iconic species.

The prints came out beautifully, and I only have a couple available. DM to claim yours

27/08/2026

The Sardine Run at its finest 👇

Wintertime in the Transkei is all about sardines and everything that eats them. The garrick follow the shoals from the Western Cape all the way to KwaZulu-Natal. As a diver, I am lucky to see them fairly often during this period, but catching one off my local point is a challenge I have yet to crack.

So when it's popping off at the point, it's time to drop everything and go🐟

Birds diving, fish eating, and hands shaking. That's what it's like watching dream fish chase your lure, only for them to miss it or turn away. An incredibly exhilarating but frustrating day in the office! It just wasn't my day.

My neighbour, Warren, was luckier than me. He landed a beautiful garrick and decided to keep it. At 83cm fork length, it was the perfect harvest size (these fish are under immense pressure, so if you're going to take one for the pot, it's best to leave the large breeding stock).

A perfect opportunity for a print, and they came out beautifully! I will be releasing these prints next Tuesday. I only have a couple available, so stay tuned 🔥

20/08/2026

A guide to a perfect fish braai👇

The obvious:
A good fish. The fresher, the better.
Good music. Good b**r. Good company.

Less obvious:
Like most meats, it's best to have it at room temperature before going on the coals.
I use mayo instead of oil to coat the fish for a few reasons: The egg content creates a beautiful glaze, while the oil prevents sticking (plus Rain puts herbs, garlic and mustard in her mayo, which is just delicious on fish). Keep some extra handy to reapply after turning. This will help keep the fish moist.

Fish dries out really quickly, so I find medium coals best and rather cook it for longer than risk dry fish. Have some extra coals on the side to top up if needed. Take your time. Turn the fish often for even cooking. When the thickest part of the fish starts to separate easily from the spine, take it off and rest for five minutes. It should be perfect. This fish took about 35-40min.

Season however you want and enjoy with whatever sides you like. These fish roosterbroodjies were next level, though.

Any thoughts on improvements? I’d love to hear :)

Cavebass (Dinoperca petersi)Also known as lampfish or lanternfish, this interesting nocturnal predator generally stays i...
18/08/2026

Cavebass (Dinoperca petersi)

Also known as lampfish or lanternfish, this interesting nocturnal predator generally stays in deep-water caves during the day, venturing into the shallows to feed at night, which explains the need for such large eyes.

It’s not a fish that I see very often, and when I do, they are generally too small to harvest. So when a mate speared this solid specimen, I knew that it was my chance to make a unique print.

Those big eyes, gaping mouth, white dots and fine scales are the kinds of details that get me excited for a print, and this chap did not disappoint.

I have six of these prints available. DM for details 🐟

16/08/2026

I eat my art. Let me explain 👇

In an effort to reclaim a forgotten sense of wildness in a modern world, I have dedicated my life to creating art from a truly wild environment.

From my homestead on South Africa's Wild Coast, I farm and forage, taking a moment between harvest and consumption to make gyotaku prints of my catches. Respectfully memorialising the creatures that form a major part of our diet out here. Connecting deeply with nature and the people that shape my work along the way.

Follow along for all things ocean, art and everything in between :)

13/08/2026

Cavebass (Dinoperca petersi)

I see juveniles from time to time, but never one this big. So I had to take my chance to make a gyotaku print🐟

That big eye helps it hunt in the low light of caves and at night, while that large mouth helps to suck in anything unfortunate enough to come in too close.

Quite a niche print; I have never seen a gyotaku of this species before. A cool one for the portfolio!

These prints are dropping next Tuesday. Stay tuned 🔥

10/08/2026

10 points if you can name this fish 👇

A pretty niche gyotaku print I made recently. These prints are dropping next Tuesday. Stay tuned!

Natal Stumpnose 👇During a period of uncharacteristic warm, blue water, we had a few tropical fish grace my local Transke...
06/08/2026

Natal Stumpnose 👇

During a period of uncharacteristic warm, blue water, we had a few tropical fish grace my local Transkei point.

I have never seen a Natal Stumpnose of this size come past the point, so when a mate landed this one, I knew that it was a perfect opportunity for a unique gyotaku print.

I get excited to print fish with big scales, strong jaws and detailed fins and I was not disappointed.

I have 4 available. DM for details 🐟

04/08/2026

My new obsession 🦐🐡🐠

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