We’re thrilled to introduce Taili Wu as one of the first artist collaborations for our latest collection. Based in New York, Taili is a talented stop-motion and ceramic artist whose work brings curious ideas to life through a playful, tactile style and a touch of humor. Her art is rooted in storytelling—often turning everyday objects, like a jar of ketchup, into something whimsical, like a disco dancing kid.

Collaborating with Taili has been a dream come true. She has an incredible ability to transform the ordinary into something fun and imaginative. Co-founder KK, who has known Taili since their school days at SVA in New York, has always been amazed by her endless creativity. When we reached out to Taili with the concept of shelter animals for this collaboration, she immediately brought KK’s vision to life. This partnership is especially meaningful as it blends Taili’s passion for art, friendship, and her commitment to supporting local animal shelters.

Let’s dive into Taili’s creative world and discover what makes her such an inspiring and playful artist!

What sparked your interest in creating art?

My name is Taili Wu, I am an illustrator & stop-motion artist from Taiwan and currently based in NY, passionate about animals, playful things, and crunchy cookies. I love sharing stories and bringing curious ideas to life.

I love making things that make me happy:) It’s an outlet for me to express myself freely and share stories with the world. My artistic style summarize in three words -Playful, fun, and tactile that makes you want to touch it. (Alright! Some might say it is childish, but I am a big kid at heart, and playing is my natural.) I enjoy sharing stories with a sense of humor, often I assign personalities to the subjects that I am working on. For example a jar of ketchup as a disco dancing kid. I love applying mixed mediums in my work, the textures from different materials stimulate the senses and are so inviting to play with.

Are there any particular artists or art movements that have influenced your work?

Some of my favorite places to look for inspiration are animals, toys, daily objects, traveling, flea markets, family & friends, and little kids! Yes, little kids, especially now I have a 2 year old toddler, my life is filled with laughter & playthings. (yes, cries as well)

My all time favorite movie is Hayao Miyazaki’s “My Neighbor Totoro”. It depicted a countryside environment that is so familiar to me yet so dreamy that I want to live in it! When I am hiking on leafy trails, I can’t help but look for the little Totoro. 

There are many artists that I admire, including Joan Miró, Lisa Larson, 夏宇/Hsia Yu, Alexander Girard, Kveta Pacovská, Tabaimo.

Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?

My son is 2 years old now, a very energetic explorer. So his nap time is my precious time that I get to do what I want. I like to kick off making a hot coffee and bring along a cup of water to my desk, sit down and draw or make things.

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Kveta Pacovská! I love her works so much, her free flowing energy spills out from her works! There are surprises everywhere you turn! If there is any opportunity to collaborate, I would jump on board in a heartbeat!

I enjoy immersing myself in places like the library & bookstore’s children’s wing, flea market & thrift shop’s vintage books & playthings. I also love to collect the little curious objects. When it is too expensive to purchase, I make my own version sometimes. 

What excited you the most about collaborating with Ohana Sunshine socks?

Collaborating with good friends is my dream job, not to mention this is such a good opportunity to support local animal shelters and make fun artworks! 

 

Where can our followers find more of your work and connect with you online?

Let’s keep making things that make us happy, and share the fun with the world! The world is a better place with love and play!!

You can find Taili at @tailiwu & monstershaper.com 🌞✨