Delia Touché: DNA
“My ultimate goal was to spend time with the land. I wanted to see what kind of relationship I could build.”
Fall 2023 Artist-in-Residence at American Prairie
Delia Touché
Tell us about your artistic background.
I think I’ve always thought I was going to be an artist, or at least I was always interested in art. I was surrounded by artists my whole life. My grandmother and great-grandmother made star quilts. My uncle is a talented beader, and my brother and dad were always drawing. Art sort of seems to be in my DNA.
Delia installing quilts
Have your material choices changed over the years?
I mostly use printmaking and book-making techniques to create work. Lately, I’ve been focusing on traditional Indigenous crafts. I’ve been making bison and deer hide hand drums. I also recently started working with porcupine quills and birch bark. I’ve been thinking about how I can combine these traditional crafts with my printmaking and book making interests.
Delia at work
What was your research process during your residency?
My ultimate goal was to spend time with the land. I wanted to see what kind of relationship I could build. I spent most of my days observing and listening to my surroundings and the people who were familiar with the area. I would explore the properties on with my bike and on foot. There’s good biking trails. I studied the color relationships as well as the noises that would happen on the prairie. I was able to witness coyotes run across prairie dog towns. I would wake up to bison outside on the front lawn, just minding their own business.
Biking at American Prairie
Walk us through the choices you make in a single piece.
Like most things, it starts with a loose idea. Then, I primarily focus on the color palette within pieces. I think I spend the most time figuring out what colors I’m going to use. I use the Japanese color dictionary to speed the process up. Outside of the color palette, I focus on content, composition, and the artmaking process I’m going to use.
Polaroids at American Prairie
In-progress book binding at American Prairie
How was your experience as an Open AIR Artist-in-Residence?
American Prairie was a remarkable property to visit. I enjoyed getting to know the area, the staff as well as the other artists. What American Prairie is doing to preserve prairie habitat and their bison restoration work is inspiring. I really think they are doing amazing work. Getting a glimpse into their world was such an incredible gift. I’m thankful for the experience.
Bison at American Prairie
What are you up to now (post Open AIR)?
I have a few projects going on at the moment that keep me busy outside of my day job. I have an upcoming residency at Vermont Studio Center, and I’ll also be going to Penland as a studio assistant. Recently, I got commissioned by The North Dakota Museum of Art to create a piece that’ll be part of their permanent collection. I’m also working with The Minnesota Museum of American Art for an upcoming group exhibition.
Delia screen printing
Like to know more about Delia? Visit her website and follow her on Instagram @deleeuhhh
