Otis Tamasauskas
(1947–)
Otis Tamasauskas
1947–
Otis Tamasauskas (1947– ) is a printmaker and art educator. Known for his innovations in printmaking, Tamasauskas’ work is described as an amalgamation of contrasting surfaces, printing techniques, images, and media. He often incorporates collage and found materials such as pelts, horsehair, and wood panels into his prints, giving them a textural and dynamic quality that connects them to the exterior world. Instead of producing print runs, Tamasauskas is known for creating one-off prints or unique varied editions.
Tamasauskas was born in Tirschenreuth, Germany, in a displaced persons camp after his parents fled from Lithuania. His family immigrated to Canada where they settled in Niagara Falls in 1952 and later, in Toronto in 1954. Tamasauskas’ exploration of art began as a child with his interest in Lithuanian folk art. Throughout his youth, he would often trace symbols and designs from Lithuanian books. He attended Central Technical School in Toronto before completing a BFA at the University of Windsor in 1974.
After graduation, Tamasauskas worked at Open Studio, a print shop in Toronto, where he became a Master Printer, Director of Etching, and Co-Director of Lithography. He later taught printmaking at McMaster University, University of Toronto Scarborough, and Queen’s University. He retired from teaching in 2017 in order to pursue his love of printmaking full-time.
His work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Canada and abroad, such as Prints by Otis Tamasauskas, a travelling exhibition organized by the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre at the University of Guelph (now the Art Gallery of Guelph) from 1982 to 1983. His work can be found in the permanent collection at the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, and the Vancouver Art Gallery, among others. Tamasauskas is also a member of the Royal Canadian Academy.
