Textures That Tell Stories

I am Johnny (Tiger) Tai, a dedicated martial-arts instructor residing in the vibrant city of Richmond, BC. What sets me apart as an artist is my unique perspective - I am entirely blind and partially deaf. My journey as an artist has been an extraordinary one, marked by notable milestones. I recently concluded my artist-in-residence program at Vancouver's esteemed Grunt Gallery on April 15th, 2023. In February of the same year, I had the privilege of showcasing my work at the "Disability Arts Market" held at the prestigious BMO Theatre.

Scheduled for September 2023, I am excited to be part of a group exhibition titled "Neither Here Nor There," exploring the theme of immigration at the Outlet Gallery in Port Coquitlam. Furthermore, my artwork has been featured in the captivating "Amplified Voices" show, which graced the Vancouver Italian Cultural Centre from May to August 2023. Additionally, some of my creations were proudly displayed at an Immigrant Artists Event hosted by Defyned.org on March 18th, 2023, at Century House in New Westminster. As far back as early 2000's, my works have adorned the halls of Richmond Secondary High School, Bon's Restaurant off Broadway, and the front office of SET-BC.

I warmly welcome any opportunity that furthers my growth and evolution as an artist. It is my hope that you will find joy in exploring my artwork during your visit here.

Artist Bio (no DV):
Artist Bio (with DV):

In the world of blind arts, raised etchings hold a significant place. These tactile creations provide a bridge for non-visual art enthusiasts to experience the beauty of shapes and designs, whether abstract or representational. Moreover, they serve as a guiding light for non-visual artists, making their canvas work a reality through these tactile "etched" components.

My etchings are meticulously crafted with accessibility as a paramount consideration. Some are thoughtfully framed without glass or acrylic coverings, actively encouraging physical engagement. In essence, the motto is simple: "Don't just look, but feel." The subjects of my pieces are wonderfully diverse, ranging from everyday personal experiences to the mesmerizing tapestry of the natural world and evocative traditional Chinese folklore.

Want to know more about tactile art? Explore Tiger Tactile's FAQs and don't be afraid to reach out by email if you have more questions.

Each creation at Tiger Tactile is a labor of love, individually hand-etched and infused with a unique serial number. What makes your purchase even more special is that the proceeds directly support my non-profit initiative, Night Strike Self Defense for the Blind. Through this endeavor, we strive to empower blind individuals with enhanced confidence, freedom, fitness, safety, and independence through practical martial arts training.

What is Night Strike?

• Short Night strike workshop demo
• 2012 CBC news Martial Arts interview
• Me taking the oath for Team Canada during the 2014 TAFISA World's Martial Arts Championship
• Training for the 2014 TAFISA World's Martial Arts Championship
• 2014 Johnny Tai Krav Maga self defense public demo
• 2016 Night Strike Self Defense Demo with Blind Beginnings

You can also directly

to support the Night Strike cause.

Framed pieces, except for oversized ones, are priced at $300CAD each, while unframed pieces are offered at $240CAD. Please note that special "show" pieces and oversized "deluxe" creations may carry varying price tags.

In our correspondence, I will also provide you with shipping fee details. If you happen to be local, residing in the broader Vancouver area, arrangements can be made for convenient drop-off or pick-up. Additionally, I am open to taking custom requests – feel free to discuss your ideas during our conversation, and together, we can explore the possibilities. Your artistic journey begins here, with Tiger Tactile.

This website was designed by Vizability Consulting & Design. Vizability’s goal is to offer accessibility consultations and designs to reach a more accessible and inclusive digital world of apps, websites, and the like.

Even though you are not able to physically "touch" the website to see it, every website designed by Vizability has a built in description for those who are blind or visually impaired. To access this description, all you need to do is simply click on the banner at the top of any page. A beautiful website should not just be enjoyed by the sighted world, it should be "seen" by all who visit it!