Artwork copyright Taylor Dean. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Salmon Egg, 2024

Taylor Dean
(American | Puyallup, born 1996)

Location: Star Lake Elementary, Kent

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Salmon Egg by Taylor Dean (Puyallup) features a salmon egg held by the Salish Sea, and it explores duality. Taylor notes, “I am reclaiming my heritage and decolonizing myself one art piece at a time.” It was made using a traditional Japanese woodblock printing tradition called Mokuhanga that uses non-toxic, water-based inks and does not require a printing press.

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Asia Tail in April 2024 for three Federal Way Public Schools in South King County. Asia chose graphic works that are as bold and diverse as the students, by artists with ties to South Puget Sound. Images of language, people, and the natural world create a poem for this place where students live and learn. She notes, "School is a place where we can connect with new families. And families are always strongest when working together."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Federal Way Public Schools.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Taylor Dean (Puyallup) works in sculpture, printmaking, installation, digital illustration, and video. Taylor’s objects and prints draw from the traditions of Coast Salish carving, ancient Coast Salish pictographs and petroglyphs, and weaving designs. Their artworks investigate personal stories, connect with oral traditions, and show an appreciation for the natural world.
Taylor Dean was born in Portland, Oregon and is a member of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. They earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Pratt Institute in New York City. They work as a freelance graphic designer and as an Outreach Specialist for the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. Both of these jobs use their expertise in Coast Salish design and digital illustration.