We recently connected with Colie Taylor and have shared our conversation below.
Colie, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Self-care has always been a priority for me, and as an artist, I’ve found it to be absolutely essential. To stay focused, take creative risks, and persist through challenging projects, I need to be in the right headspace. My self-care routine includes daily exercise, journaling, practicing gratitude, and ensuring I get enough rest.
Running every day keeps me grounded and calm, it’s a time to clear my mind and recharge. We’re fortunate to have a gym nearby with childcare, which makes it easy to maintain this habit even with a busy schedule. I also take a few moments each day to write down gratitudes and reflect on the positives in my life. This simple practice helps me stay centered and appreciative.
Good sleep is another cornerstone of my routine. To keep up with my painting schedule, I wake up at 5 a.m. every day, so I prioritize going to bed early. My husband and I share a cup of tea in the evenings as a way to unwind and prepare for the next day.
These habits have been instrumental in keeping me motivated, engaged, and energized in my studio. They allow me to bring my best self to my art and tackle each project with clarity and intention
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Painting has always been my passion, it’s the medium that feels most natural to me and allows me to tell stories through my work. Much of what I create is inspired by personal memories and meaningful connections. I enjoy diving into the research behind my subjects, which often becomes part of the creative process. For example, when working with vintage car magazines for my collages, I love uncovering the history of the cars and the communities they’ve inspired. Similarly, my superhero series came to life after immersing myself in the comics, and my landscapes and country-inspired pieces are deeply tied to songs that remind me of family.
Recently, I’ve been exploring mixed media, which has opened up exciting new possibilities. My husband and I have been experimenting with resin to coat my paintings. It’s a challenging material to work with, but I love the sleek, polished look it adds to a piece. I’m also incorporating materials like diamond dust, gold leaf, and cubic zirconia to add unique textures and a touch of sparkle. Creating art is my way of staying grounded, it brings me peace and has supported me through life’s highs and lows.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how my art has impacted the community. Each year, I donate pieces to auctions supporting causes like children’s foundations and arts education programs. It’s incredibly rewarding to know my work can contribute to making a difference.
My work is deeply personal yet meant to resonate universally. My goal is to create pieces that evoke emotion, tell stories, and connect people. Whether through commissioned works or my personal projects, I strive to bring something special to every piece.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities or practices that have been most impactful in my art journey are continuing to take art classes, incorporating art-making into my daily routine, and building an art community.
Pursuing an art degree during my undergraduate studies gave me a strong foundation in art techniques and expanded my confidence and abilities. Learning a variety of mediums, even those that didn’t directly align with my focus, was invaluable in broadening my creative perspective. To this day, I continue to take art classes, it’s a wonderful way to acquire new skills and connect with fellow artists in an educational setting.
Another key factor has been making time for art every day. Even if it’s just 20 minutes, spending that time with my materials keeps me motivated and focused on creating. It’s not about perfection or productivity during every session but about showing up consistently and staying connected to the process.
Finally, being part of an art community has been transformative. Engaging with other artists, hearing their stories, sharing knowledge about materials, and supporting one another, has enriched my journey immensely. I’ve built these connections through volunteer opportunities, art markets, and events, and I’m so grateful for the camaraderie and inspiration they bring.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay curious and open to learning, prioritize small but consistent creative habits, and actively seek out a community of like-minded creators. These steps can provide a strong foundation for growth, motivation, and fulfillment in your creative pursuits.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been expanding my style and subject matter. When I made the leap to becoming a full-time artist, I also shifted my focus from primarily painting landscapes to exploring mixed media and pop art-inspired pieces. This transition has been incredibly exciting and creatively fulfilling.
I’ve loved incorporating unique elements into my work, like vintage comics, magazines, maps, and song lyrics. These additions bring a new layer of interest and depth to my art, making each piece feel more dynamic and personal. Along the way, I’ve also learned how to work with new materials, including resin. With my husband’s help, we’ve experimented with different techniques and tools, which has been both challenging and rewarding.
This year has been all about stepping outside of my comfort zone and pushing myself as an artist. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m thrilled with the direction my art is heading. I’m looking forward to seeing how much more I can grow and evolve in the coming year!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.colietaylorart.com
- Instagram: @colietaylorart
Image Credits
Mitch Hechsel-@Valomediahouse
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