We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathy Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think of risk taking as an adventure and a form of discovery! Some people may be “wired up” to be risk takers. I certainly think I am. As an artist, I need to be able to experiment with new ideas and concepts. What better place than on the canvas or a piece of clay. Risk taking has spilled over into my life too. Whether it be a move to a new city/state or taking my business to the next level in the midst of a pandemic! Life is just more fun when you add a bit of the unknown. Although it’s not for everyone, I wouldn’t miss the excitement and sometimes fear of taking that step beyond my comfort zone. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being an artist and creative is a way of life. The creative life chooses you not the other way around. My art journey has always been a journey of self discovery. When I look back over the past 40 years of my art career, I can see that most of my work is autobiographical. The painting/sculpture may not be a portrait of me but the symbols in the work are some aspect of myself. My main symbol is a horse; a spirit horse which represents me. My plan now is to continue to use my artistic voice for change. A particular cause is animal rights. My new pop-up space, Tay MODERN will be that venue for exhibiting my work as well as other cutting-edge artists that inspire and innovate. There are many challenges that come with the artistic life. The biggest for me is being true to my artistic voice for not all will respond in the way I had hoped. I find that baring my Soul to the world and staying true to my voice is the ultimate vulnerability. Of the many successes I have had in my personal art career, I am most proud of my students.. For over 15 years, artists of all levels showed up each week to develop their creativity. I had the great honor of guiding them on their journey. Many of them are now accomplished artists, showing their work and living a creative life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would start our journey with a stay in Sedona at the Enchantment resort. Their world class spa, Mi Amo is to die for!! Lots of hiking in the red rocks and great meals at the resort. From there we would head up to the Grand Canyon and stay at the El Tovar which overlooks the canyon. There is so much history to contemplate. The last few days would be spent in Phoenix at the W Hotel. Dinners at Lon’s. A fabulous outdoor space and fantastic food and wine.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shout out to my mentor, Dick Phillips. His creative guidance gave me the courage to find my voice as an artist. Also, the wonderful love and support of all the artists at Studio 6020. It’s been such a great honor to have them all by my side during the past 15 years.

Website: www.KathyTaylorArt.com
Instagram: #kathytaylorfineart #tay.modern
Facebook: Artist Kathy Taylor
Youtube: Studio 6020

Image Credits
N/A

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