About the artist, Alisa JeeCrystal (Utamating)

A renowned Alisa JeeCrystal, a registered nurse turned self-taught artist who dedicated her talent to the celebration and conservation of wildlife.
Alisa is best known for her unique Gyotaku fish printing technique. She was one of the first three artists invited to exhibit her work at the new 60,000 square foot IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum when it opened in December 1999.

Art collectors worldwide own JeeCrystal’s work, which is a fusion of her Asian heritage, her Florida lifestyle, and her passion for the natural environment. Her subjects span the marine landscape: tarpon, marlin, snook, and other game fish, as well as heron,
sand hill cranes, and other tropical birds including deer and horses. Her signature piece, "Conservation Florida", depicting a fully engaged marine wildlife habitat of water and mangrove, fish and fowl, it pays homage to Florida’s diverse coastal
ecosystem. With each brush stroke, she gives back the spirit of the wildlife she paints so they can live indefinitely through her work.

Alisa JeeCrystal is a native of Chiangmai, Thailand, where she grew up among her family’s elephants, horses, and other wild animals. Her parents first taught her to fish with a hand-made bamboo rod. The experience nurtured her love for wildlife and sparked her
passion to explore the quiet beauty of nature all over the world.

An avid angler, JeeCrystal participates in tournaments and fundraising efforts throughout the year, promoting ‘catch and release’ fishing practices and other conservation efforts. Through her art,she strives to bring her wildlife subjects to life on canvas and as such generate awareness and respect.

During her hiatus from the art world, JeeCrystal returned to Thailand to spend time with family following the loss of her father. To honor her parents, she recently changed her artist’s name from Alisa Utamating to Alisa JeeCrystal. “JeeCrystal”, which combines the first names of both of her parents.

By Marnee Smith, Nickel & Nickel

About Gyotaku

Jose Wejebe wrote:

"Gyotaku is the ancient Asian art of imprinting an actual fish onto paper.

Alisa is one of the leading artists in this artform specializing in many game fish that we anglers fish for.

I personally have one of a sailfish that is one of my favorite pieces in the house. The fact that Alisa has a passion for fishing transfers itself to the life quality that can come only frome someone who has spent time on the water.

This is an art that is rich in history and tradition, Alisa brings it to us well."

Jose Wejebe
Spanish Fly, ESPN Outdoors