Meet the Maker – Tuyo Art

As a self-taught printmaker, how did you find your way to working in lino and screen print and what have been some of the challenges or greatest learning moments on your journey so far?

I started out illustrating on the computer and always liked to play with bold shapes and add texture to my work. At some point the digital designs leaned so much on the graphic style of a wood or linocut that it was the logical next step for me. So I bought an old printing press and kept it in next to me in my student bedroom. I fell in love with the process of carving and printing by hand, even when creating an edition of works on paper you can notice that every print is unique with little imperfections that tell a slightly different story each time.

I learned that working with the right paper is very important. The texture and details can add a lot of character to an image that is very simple in its nature. I keep looking for these treasures. Any old, unique or handmade paper, please send them my way.

Text is heavily incorporated in your work, with featured statements ranging from what feels like fiercely sincere life advice or manifestations to phrases which are silly, funny and absurdist. How do you approach choosing the words that appear in your work?

I studied graphic design and always liked how typography can help to create a certain balance or hierarchy within a composition. Somebody once commented that my work at times can feel like absurd protest signs, which I think is absolutely great. The text can really come from all places. I guess it just needs to be interesting or playful enough as a combination of words to capture my attention. I do like the folkloristic aspect of having these animals and figures impart bits and pieces of advice and manifestation and morality.

All cultures around the world have used this approach. It is, in a way, easier to comment on our human behavior when it’s coming from an Elephant or a toad, and we might be able to recognize and actually comprehend how silly it can be at times.

Can you tell us more about your process? What comes first, the text or the image?

It could go both ways. I do keep notes and ideas, but not all of them immediately bring an image to mind. And at times I just like to play around with an image, with shapes and forms. So either there is a clear idea, or I’ll keep them separate and see if something connects later on.

Can you describe a day in your studio?

I would probably start by answering emails and packing up orders. Then I would work on a painting, carve a linoleum plate, print or see whatever else interests me. Recently I have been experimenting more with ceramics. I also bought a bunch of beeswax after learning about encaustic painting. We will see where that goes, but there is always something to do!

Your characters are very whimsical and illustrative, what are some of the most significant influences on your figurative design?

Probably a mix of cave painting, outsider art and modern influences. Folk artists such as William Hawkins, Maria Prymachenko, Bill Traylor, and Mary Smith; the flat, two-dimensional images of early Christian and Byzantine art; Antoni Tàpies, Rose Wylie, and Syotatsu Ekaki. The Illustrator Ricardo Cavolo, the printmaking of Picasso, the papercuts of Matisse. There is so much out there to look at!

If you could give one piece of advice to someone wanting to explore their own creativity but unsure where to start, what would you say to them?

It is important to look at many things and really notice what we like. The next step would be asking, “Why do I like this?” It really helps to try to define what comes naturally to us. Start walking in that direction, and you’ll open many more doors.

What are you most excited to be working on this year? Do you have any goals you’d like to accomplish before the end of 2026?

Simply creating more things. Exploring more materials and techniques, perhaps sculpture. The goal is to continue expanding my visual universe and see in what ways it will still translate 🙂

Discover Tuyo’s work in the gallery and online now.