Denver based artist, Taiko Chandler, spent a week in mid-September at Oehme Graphics working with Sue on monoprints and solar plate etchings. Taiko was born and raised in Nagano, Japan, and having left in 1998, she went on to live in the varied cities of Sheffield in the UK, Miami, Austin, and now Denver. Originally trained as a nurse, Taiko has always been interested in arts, but it was her venture into printmaking that has completely captured her attention. The artist’s work reflects her observations of the world with particular interest paid to patterns found in nature. It is through the use of repeated elements common in printmaking that Taiko aims to bring to light the oppositional elements of creation and erosion caused by natural forces.
Series of three black and white solar plate etchings, Untitled, 22 1/2″ x 18″, $400
When Taiko arrived in Steamboat Springs, she laid out the numerous unfinished monotypes that she was currently working on. She and Sue sorted through the thirty plus prints, pulling out the pieces that seemed to be asking for further development. With Sue’s vast knowledge of monotype techniques, the master printer presented a variety of technical options that Taiko could steer her image making towards. Thus began the collaboration between artist and printer with Taiko making new stencils, collographs, and drawn films and Sue prepping all components of the printing process from inking up plates and stencils to soaking the already printed upon paper.
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For the remainder of the week Taiko and Sue worked in tandem, and this back and forth granted Taiko the freedom to make swift and sure decisions while also keeping things loose and allowing for a sense of playful development. Taiko’s time spent at Oehme Graphics was highlighted by this exploration and mining of her already existing body of work. The resulting ten monotypes and three solar plate editions are evidence of the Taiko’s ability to stretch her imagery while maintaining her creative vision. The monotypes are 30″ x 22″ priced at $650. The solar plates etchings are 22 1/2″ x 18″ priced at $400 in black and white and $600 for the three plate color print. Oehme Graphics loved having Taiko in the studio, and OG also loved the delicious traditional Japanese meals that Taiko generously prepared – our eyes were full of beauty and our stomachs were full of scrumptious food!
Sue and Taiko enjoying Taiko’s creative lunch…a recipe for the books!