Wayfinding Arts

Wayfindings Arts Original Ocotopus Tote

  • Front product mockup image of a Large Eco Tote Bag with a gyotaku print of an octopus raising one of its legs as if it is conducting. A red artist chop reads beauty on the upper left and another that reads connection connection on the lower right. Artist signature on the above the lower right chop.
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Wayfinding Arts

Large Eco Tote Bag - Octopus Conductor Gyotaku

$43.50 USD
$43.50 USD
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Exclusive Gyotaku Artwork

The Octopus Conductor Tote showcases our original gyotaku print artwork created using an ancient Japanese printing tradition that captures the natural beauty of marine life. 

The Story Behind Gyotaku

Gyotaku began in 19th-century Japan as a way for fishermen to preserve the details of their catch. Today, the same artistic tradition inspires the Octopus Conductor design, transforming the beauty of marine life into wearable art while honoring the ocean that made it possible.

Meet the Artist

portrait image of the artist, makoto, in front of a gallery wall

"The real star of this piece isn't me. It's the octopus. I'm simply the medium.

Printing an octopus is always a challenge, and every one teaches me something new. Before creating this print, I spent time studying underwater photographs, captivated by the way an octopus moves with such effortless grace. I wanted to capture that sense of motion and create the feeling that its arms were drifting freely through the water.

When I pulled the print, I immediately saw the motion behind a story that I was trying to tell through this print. The octopus looked as though it was conducting an orchestra.

That unexpected moment inspired the name: Octopus Conductor"

Ancient Japanese Art Meets Modern Use

  • 100% Organic Cotton That Feels as Good as It Looks

    Fill it up with groceries, books, and travel essentials—there’s room for everything!

  • Printed with the Planet in Mind

    We use non-toxic water based ink using energy efficient machines that produces zero waste water. Each tote is made to order which prevents overproduction.

  • Your Purchase Helps Protect the Ocean

    We donate 10%+ of the profit to ocean conservation causes and research.