I first met Derek Wada in 1972 at the Castle High School Science Fair in Kaneohe, Hawaii. He had prepared a student exhibit, which beautifully displayed a wide variety of Hawaiian reef fish. This immediately captured my interest, as I am the ichthyologist at Bishop Museum and have spent my life in the study of fish.

It was no surprise to me that Derek’s exhibit won an award. The collection had consumed countless hours of assembling diverse species. Although his primary objective was to fulfill a school project, he transcended the award winning display into a vehicle enabling him to share the splendor of Hawaii reef inhabitants.

Over thirty years have past since I first met Derek, and I am pleased to see that he is again applying his artistic talent to aquatic life, this time as an expert in Gyotaku. Like many who are born and raised in Hawaii, the surrounding waters ingrain existence. Incorporated into his artistic endeavor are principals he has held throughout life: to share the beauty and diversity of Hawaii reef life.

My career has enabled me to enjoy dives worldwide and observe personally, the splendor and frailty of the ocean and its’ life forms. A lifelong collection and photography of coral reef life have made me acutely aware of how we can expose the delicate balance of our ocean to the community by revealing its beauty. Our calling should not be limited to the academia of educators and professionals in the field. I am elated to see the artistry of Derek complement my findings as a vehicle bringing our cause to the public.

I am greatly impressed with the work that graces this volume, particularly with the accurate rendering of colors. So often I see Gyotaku in which too much “artistic license” has been applied by the artist. Fanciful colors are added that are not seen in the living animals.

The beauty of Hawaiian reef life needs no embellishment, as clearly portrayed in Derek’s art. An ongoing mission, Derek carefully adds new species to his portfolio of Gyotaku. Fortunately for all of us, the venture continues as he brings to light the wonder and beauty of marine life, my lifelong occupation.

Dr. John E. Randall
Senior Ichthyologist
Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
Honolulu, Hawaii