Interview with Austyn Taylor
Austyn Taylor (1984, Rochester NY, U.S.A.) is a nomadic sculptor, traveling and lecturing regularly around the world. Taylor’s sculptures illustrate the absurdist humour one has when trying to hold both “realism” and “optimism” as one’s values. She uses imagery from hand-drawn animation, modern art and ancient sculpture to drum home friendly adages like, “everyone is trying their best.” Hand-made sculptures symbolically visualise our collective humanity, give proof for a pro-human doctrine and make valid an optimistic approach to reality.
We recently had a chat with her about the ideas behind her work, the creative process and future projects. We are looking forward to working together soon.
Austyn Taylor,2022
Hello Austyn, how are you and what are you upcoming projects?
AT: I am good! Right around the corner May 6th, I have a solo show with Thinkspace Gallery in Los Angeles. They recently sent me the new floorplan and they doubled the exhibition space; I am extremely honoured for that. Now, my work is also part of the group show “The Shape of Memories” at Yod Gallery in Tokyo. I am thrilled by the idea of having my sculptures in Japan! I have other group shows coming up soon “Utopia” Beirut at Aout Gallery May 11th and in Houston “Friend of Friend” At Reeve’s gallery May 12th. I have some commissions for some 150cm tall sculptures. Over Europe, I am speaking with some art organizations about multiples. This experience sounds quite interesting as well, I never did it before. Working with different galleries has been a great learning experience for me.
Tell us about your favourite medium. How did you start working with clay?
AT: That’s a really good story! I was trained as a painter and illustrator in New York, and I did my master’s in art education. Later, I moved to Denver for my then boyfriend, and I got a job as Art teacher for middle-school children (through Craig-list that is quite un-usual). The school was in an industrial building, without windows and my classroom was full of un-used materials… After taking out half the room I found a wall made of boxes of clay; both the kids and I were excited to work in this direction. Therefore, it become quickly a clay class. For three years I taught there, improving different techniques myself. It is funny that my students were often saying to me: “Miss Taylor, you should be an artist!” …a little later I quitted. I started meeting ceramists and applying for artistic residences. Some applications later, I won a scholarship to study at Alfred University, the number one university for ceramics in U.S.A. I thought I would have become a professor, but I landed up in this residences circuit and developed my nomadic studio practice, traveling from an available atelier to another. I had the opportunity to work in Copenhagen, Beijing, Texas, Minnesota…Somehow, I ended up in Northern California and it is a magical place. I am considering moving here permanently, any depression is instantly treated because of the majesty of nature. Being with the ocean and giant trees is a great inspiration for my practice.
Where does your inspiration come from?
AT: It comes from nature. In contemporary society, I feel that plenty of conversations are more materialistic than spiritual, there is no space for positive feelings. With the works that I am doing, I want to participate in a different sort of narrative, a story of hope.
AUSTYN TAYLOR Traffic, 2022 Stoneware,110 x 65 x 31 cm
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
AT: I like Mesoamerican and ancient animist artists, that work from all around the world. It is interesting to me how spontaneous making animals with clay is, no matter where human are on earth. I am fascinated by the idea of unity across time and space.
Animals were an important part of the everyday lives of ancient and medieval people, whether they were real or imagined, seen or unseen. The literary and graphic use of animals — say, a lion for courage or a serpent to represent evil — in the Middle Ages also formed a moral language unto itself. How do you choose your subjects? Do you also connect to them a certain attitude or meaning?
AT: My subjects are spontaneous and intuitive. I crate my characters pulling from an unending world. I begin with some quick gestures and I then complete what is to become.
Do you have a dream project?
AT: I like the idea of exhibiting a sculpture in a public space, for everyone. Whether it may be a dystopian or utopian future I would love to cover the earth with giant animal sculptures seven metres tall or more!