Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Walker.
Hi Taylor, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Henri Matisse once said, “Creativity takes courage,” and he’s exactly right. Even though I’m originally from Miami, I wasn’t actually raised here. I literally woke up one day, decided I wanted to be in the driver’s seat of my life, and drove 26hrs with only what I could carry in my car to make it happen. I’m grateful to say I’ve been looking forward ever since.
Unfortunately, at some point in my childhood, I was made to believe that while I loved creating and making art, it wasn’t something I could actually do for a living. My parents migrated here from the islands, so all their dreams for their kids aligned more with graduating high school and going straight into college. While I did follow the path they laid for me, no matter how many majors or jobs I tried, at my core, I knew I was meant to be a creator.
Through my art, I’m finally able to share the way I experience the world- almost like an extension of my personality. I paint, draw, work with mixed media, sketch, and more recently developed a passion for sculpting as well. While in quarantine, I was fortunate enough to start a business that allows these many talents to shine through.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road here has been bumpy, but I made it to my destination regardless. At the beginning of my chosen path, I really struggled with combatting self-doubt about the work I was producing and finding an art form that I felt I was most connected to. I also had no prior knowledge about what it takes to run a business, or how to make it successful before taking that leap.
Luckily, while on this journey, I’ve been grateful enough to receive knowledge and inspiration from my peers, other local artists, and supporters who have shown me a lot of grace through this process. But showing myself grace, and remembering that I- not anyone else- create the reality I’m living has been my fuel along the way.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Aside from my anime, cartoon, and new school-style paintings, I’m most known for my functional sculpting work. My custom planters. lighter cases and ashtrays have been trending a lot on social media, especially tik to as of lately. I’m really in a lane of my own right now and I’m proud to have developed a concept unique to me and entirely my own.
What’s next?
I’ve recently started developing a new series of 3D paintings that incorporate my new functional sculpting work and traditional art style. This along with my current collection of larger-scale sculpt pieces, keeps me I’m super excited for what I’ll be releasing in the near future.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shop.potheadz
