Image Description
Original oil landscape of Columbia River Gorge painted from the Griffin House in Hood River, Oregon by contemporary impressionist artist Talya Johnson.
Behind the Canvas
Perched elegantly on the cliffs above the Columbia River in Hood River, Oregon, the Griffin House offers views, eye level with eagles and ospreys. The panoramic vistas of the Columbia River Gorge that surround the house and grounds rival any of the seven wonders of the world.
I was completely taken by the morning light bathing Ruthton Point jutting into the dark teal water of the Columbia River. The light was skimming two pronounced geological rock formations.
These outcrops are composed of flood basalts, dense layered of lava spread over the region in the very distant past. The ice age Mossoula Floods, later stripped any loose materials from the walls of the gorge, eventually exposing what the local Native Americans called Great Storm King and Little Storm King. These rocky crags were eventually named Mitchell Point and Mitchell Spur, thought to be the name of a local trapper who lived and died there.
The visible magnitude of ancient forces juxtaposed against the tamed vineyards and railroad tracks below seemed to strangely belong together. I felt complete peace as I explored the interesting shapes and tricky values before me, trying to capture elements of land, sky, and water. The air was unusually still and cool while I painted in the shadow of the beautiful Griffin House quietly revering its magnificent secluded views. ~Tali
Production & Printing
While my family and I handle the design and creation of each artwork, the printing and shipping processes are sometimes managed by professional partners who share my commitment to quality and ethics. I carefully vet all printing partners to ensure they meet my own standards of locality, rigorous environmental and labor standards.
- 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: My chosen printers use eco-friendly materials and practices, including sustainable inks and responsibly sourced wood and canvases. This commitment helps minimize the environmental impact of each print.
- 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀: I collaborate with printing facilities that adhere to fair labor practices, ensuring that every person involved in the process is treated with respect and paid fairly.
By outsourcing to trusted professionals, we can focus on creating unique, high-quality art while ensuring that every step of the production process aligns with ethical standards.
