We’re looking forward to introducing you to Taylor Bielecki . Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Taylor , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
That’s easy, one of my greatest accomplishments, honestly. After 3-4 months, I was able to get my first art review on a good friend and mentor’s show published. Several places turned me down because the show was over, but I was determined and have been writing article since. I found one magazine, TUSSLE, that gave me a chance, I had to rework the whole thing but they stuck with me and helped me achieve my dream. At a time when honoring someone that is such a cool artist and inspiration to me, meant a lot. It was so hard to keep quiet! But I’m glad it was a nice surprise.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the studio and gallery manager at Pratt Institute. When I’m not helping students or hanging paintings by day, by night I’m painting myself in my studio in Gowanus. I’m also writing in between everything, I write art reviews for several art periodicals and I publish my own flash fiction books to accompany my paintings. Turning my paintings into movies, if you will. Showing the before or after of what is on the surface of the canvas.
I like multiple roles in the arts and the different adventures they get me into, and the new amazing community of artists I get to meet with each one.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My grandfather. He came from Italy with his whole family. While they worked to become citizens, he taught himself English by reading the paper, and worked each and every day. He still is, often 12-14 hours a day. He always taught me to treat everyone with respect, no matter who they are or what position in the company they are. I always try to remember his advice to be the best at your job you can be, that all work is important, and that hard work, that you truly believe in, work that helps others, is the most important kind of work.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
My teachers. School was my home, my safe zone. I knew in school, I could escape whatever bad was happening in life at that time. My teachers were so kind and always believed in me even when I didn’t. They taught me to never give up and inspired me to try to be as good of a teacher as they are. They taught me a great kindness is better than winning, and to stay grounded. And even recently, when I am truly afraid, dealing with adversity right now, my teachers are still right behind me, pushing me forward. Many have become colleagues, and many of whom I am proud to get to stand alongside of.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
The singer and songwriter Nick Cave, from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. He is a huge influence on my art practice, my job and my life as an artist. He has overcome so much tragedy but has remained authentic to himself and kind to so many others. He makes the music and art he wants to make and holds true to his ideals. No matter the critique, Nick lives life how he wants to. Determined to always learn, listen, be kind, and compassionate. His music guides me, and helped me rebuild myself at a time when I thought I was lost on my journey, facing so much change, seeing Nick remain steadfast and true to himself was an inspiration.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I tried my best. That I never gave up and lived my life everyday as if it was a movie. (A great teacher told me that piece of advice and it’s stuck with me forever)
That I helped others to succeed too. Having people walk alongside me to whatever their dreams may be, while I follow in the large footsteps of my heroes and mentors. Many of whom I can’t thank enough, but many of whom I hope I can proudly say I can stand alongside and help as many people as greatly as they have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.tbielecki.com
- Instagram: @taylor.bielecki
Image Credits
Federico Savini
Erin Jacob
Megan Krause
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
