Could you share the origin story of Taku+Taku? What inspired the creation of an ocean-themed luxury decor brand?
We both thrive on being in nature, studying the beauty of nature and we delight in bringing some home with us. This desire to fill our homes with the irresistible treasures found in nature has compelled us, as artists and designers, to find ways of bringing our encounters with the natural world to interiors, in an elegant, enduring and practical way.
We each had our own studio gallery, creating original art in the traditional Japanese art form of gyotaku, or fish printing—Jessica on a small Danish island and Lisa in the Florida Keys. Meeting through the Nature Printing Society, we instantly recognized our shared vision and complementary skills and artistic styles. Jessica’s former role in graphics and product design for global companies, combined with Lisa’s professional art background and extensive fishing knowledge, made us a perfect team. Our different locations allow us to offer a broader range of specimens and be closer to customers. It made perfect sense to form TAKU+TAKU together.
What is your creative process like when designing a new piece? Do you have any rituals or sources of inspiration that guide your work?
Each piece of original art is influenced by the location and season. For example, by the Mediterranean Sea in the summer we created octopus art; in the Springtime in the North, we created cherry blossoms. Tuna may be caught in Florida but not in Denmark so we print it there, and sometimes opportunities just present themselves, like the flying fish that flew into Lisa’s boat! Time and place are everything in the original art.
Many of our designs and products are bespoke, so specific to a location and a customer’s desires: when people integrate TAKU+TAKU products into their interior, they are not adding generic decor—they are curating a memory-evoking experience for their customers. We need to consider the place where the products will be used. We have to look at the surroundings and theme of a place – is it a minimalist Nordic Fjord restaurant or in a Tropical Spa hotel. Mahi Mahi print cushions don’t connect you to a Mountain Retreat as cushions featuring tree rings! It’s not just fish, we use this method to print any nature from tropical blooms to woodgrain to bird feathers to vine leaves and other sea life such as shellfish or seaweed.
How do you balance artistic expression with the functional aspects of decor?
Art and function must seamlessly integrate. Nature itself often guides the design. For example the product’s shape and how it complements the natural anatomy of the specimen, how the curve of a beautifully hand crafted bowl may compliment the curve naturally found in shrimp or claw of a delectable lobster. A long fish may not fit well on a square cushion, so we might focus on an iconic part, like a sailfish fin or an octopus tentacle. This approach not only creates more visually striking and abstract pieces but also expands the potential applications for each artwork.
Different species lend themselves to specific uses. A turbot, for instance, works beautifully as original art but may not be as appealing on bedsheets, while cherry blossoms are stunning as wallpaper but might not suit swimwear as well as tropical flowers or sea creatures do.
With both function and design at the forefront of our products, we strive to create enhanced experiences beyond expectations.
Could you talk about the materials you use? How do they contribute to the overall aesthetic and durability of your products?
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are the heart of our work, but durability and functionality are paramount. After that, craftsmanship is key. Fine bone china from Staffordshire, revered in hospitality for decades, even centuries, is both incredibly durable and beautifully luminous when decorated with glass-pigment inks. Linen, which softens with washing but is very durable, can add to the benefits when used as wellness resort bedding. Imagine opening linen curtains elegantly decorated with local sea life, perfectly framing an ocean view—this connection to the sea elevates the entire experience. We search out local materials and manufacturing partners who are time honoured craftspeoples and the best at what they do to work together with to create our unique products for each customer.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey with Taku+Taku so far?
Starting this journey together has been incredibly rewarding, especially as we’ve learned from each other’s unique skills. It’s also a joy to see people’s reactions when we reveal our art, pulling back the fabric or paper to uncover a print directly from nature—not just of nature. That moment of awe is priceless. Also, the fact that our catch becomes a tasty family meal after we print them is a bonus reward at the end of the day. Nothing is wasted, we just borrow the fish between ocean and table to capture a wonderful memory of it.
Looking ahead, the possibilities feel endless. To say the sky is the limit isn’t enough when there is the land and deep ocean to explore as well.
Lisa & Jessica
