Wildlife biologist Tori Kaufman has drawn inspiration from her work outside and has curated a series of oil prints. Her exhibition at Wussow’s Concert Cafe features boat-inspired vignettes, sturgeon and other critters, and other subjects. The prints are on display through the end of January. Kaufman is also a participant in the local literary scene, putting together type-written poetry in zine-like formats. A sampling of her work and a recent interview are below.

When did you first start getting into art?

After meeting (the person) who is now my wife. She encouraged me to use actual art materials to render the doodles and written blurbs I was putting on my blog at the time. That was about seven years ago, and honestly, the ride has gotten better ever since.

What is your degree? Can you speak to the ways that your background in natural science affects the art that you’re making?

I have a bachelor of science in wildlife science and a masters of science in biology. There are always natural settings for my work, but usually something else (is) going on. There is almost always an action happening that provides context for the nature elements. This is directly part of my experience as a career wildlife biologist.

What mediums are you working with most frequently, and what do you like about those mediums?

Right now, I am mostly working in traditional oil ink printing and short writing works, like poetry or short essays. All of these are kinda like single-serving expressions to scratch a creative itch when I need it. I enjoy the “hmm” after a short piece of work; (when it’s a) little commitment up front, but brings you back for another look or read.

What types of pieces have you been most inspired or motivated to create more recently?

Recently, I am very much into boats. Historically, perspective is my kryptonite and something about boats is enriching to play with in perspective.

What is it about boats that appeals to you about including them in art and print media?

The perspective for one, secondly the questions they elicit, such as: What was the person doing? Where is the boat? Why is there no person in the boat? What motion does the water around the boat play in the tension of a boat scene?

What do you like most about creating art and being an artist in Duluth? Or, what are some of the challenges?

I most enjoy the number of resident artists. Because we spend so much time indoors for part of the year, most folks find a craft or art hobby, and that is one of the pleasures of living in Duluth. People are often expressing something about wanting to go do something, interpret this, experience that, or so on, that they also tend to want to include other people in the work to bring it into the world. For instance, there’s loads of stained-glass (art) around town, probably because it brings beauty inside when the outside is all white. It’s all one big mess of humans as animals wanting to connect.

Can you share more about your display at Wussow’s Concert Cafe?

The whole show is fishing themed. Because I enjoy designing, carving and printing boats or other water elements, like fish and people nestled … in with those boats. I think it’s contiguous in the colors and styles of each piece. If someone wanted to display any of the pieces together — even Secular Saint Dolly Parton, who makes an appearance — they would all complement each other in most display settings, down to the matching custom frames.

What piece in that display means the most to you, and why?

The center piece, Sturgeon I, means the most. It took me the longest to get right. That print is the biggest, most in-depth, and satisfying composition I have made yet. It connects everything and stands on its own. The metallic silver backdrop also keeps you coming back to the image for another sip of refreshing boat serenity.

Do you have any favorite memories or moments you’d like to share from a show or gallery?

Actually, Sturgeon I was put up in the front display at the annual North Shore Artist’s League gallery in Grand Marais this year. No one told the gallery staff how to arrange pieces, so it was a huge honor and deeply rewarding to see my favorite piece front and center with four other esteemed regional artists. Talk about legitimizing my work! Even if I never sell another piece in my life, I want that placement noted on my headstone.

Are there any other art shows you’ve done in the past that meant a lot to you or that you’d like to share about?

In 2025 was the annual North Shore Artist’s League gallery. And I had a small coffee-house art show and display at the local Loch Cafe & Games back in June (this past year). The Loch show was sponsored and made possible by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council artist equity grant, which gave me the confidence and resources to put my stuff out there for folks to enjoy.

Are there any projects you’re excited to continue working on right now? Or envision starting next?

I am finalizing my poetry chapbook, Wildlife Professionals Use the Stick-Poke Test, to submit to Button Poetry and, in general, would like to continue making prints. There are a few commissions I may take on to keep up a bit of momentum with my printmaking. Those will be rather comical wildlife renderings, which I will enjoy designing.

Viewers who can contact Kaufman about her work at victoria.kaufman.creates @ gmail.com. Her art portfolio of prints and embroidery, which are both mediums she completes for commission work, are on her website, rockosophy.com. Kaufman’s hand-embroidered flour sack towels can be found at Dovetail Cafe’s makers’ market and at Alt Creative.