Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Taylor Boyd. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Taylor, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose in the things that bring me joy and happiness. I like to lean into the aspects of my life that bring me the most satisfaction and set my heart on fire. It was not always like that. I had to go through the darkness to find the light.
I’ve made a lot of changes over the last four years and it has cleared my path. Not only has my purpose become more clear, but I have been able to grow and develop in virtually every way. I had to eliminate the things that were not serving my highest good and I had to trust that process. There was a lot of doubt in the beginning, but after each challenge came something beautiful and peaceful. It gave me the evidence and motivation I needed to continue.
I would tell myself, “I have made it this far. Keep going!”
After some time had passed, I could tell I was on other side of what I now see as a very stagnant period of my life.
All of the challenges gave me perspective, they gave me appreciation for what I already have.
I realized all the pain I went through was preparing me for its polarity, love, passion, and light. Two of my anchors in this journey, have been my children and my undeniable drive to create.
In 2019, I quit my 9-5 to pursue my full-time art career and to spend more time at home with my children. I am so grateful everyday that I got to that point of desperation, it forced me to choose a different path. The decision to immerse myself into the great loves of my life was one the most pivotal points I look back on.
I believe my purpose is to follow my joy and to celebrate the precious moments in this life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be and artist and in 2019 I made the decision to make it my full-time career. For 3 years I painted and created art from my home and sold it using social media. I enjoyed working from home, but in the summer of 2022 a new opportunity presented itself and I couldn’t say no. A space had opened up in my local community and I started planning my first public studio/gallery.
Then in November 2022 I opened Taylor Boyd Studios, located in Warrenton, Virginia.
I create original artwork in the studio and use the main room as my personal gallery to display and sell my work.
It is a very warm, inviting, and colorful space covered with original paintings, multi-media pieces, prints, and custom merchandise. My work can also be purchased by contacting me on Facebook and Instagram or by Email ([email protected]). I have shipped art to clients for their private collections all over the world.
I also periodically teach classes, which I advertise on Instagram and Facebook @taylorboydstudios.
Guided Art Sessions are my favorite, I like to help develop and guide artists in their process and encourage them to try new techniques and mediums. I believe art to be very therapeutic and love sharing the joy that it has brought me.
My style has been described as “magical, otherworldly, and a delight to the visual senses.”
I usually describe my work as surrealistic and dream-like. I love to create artwork that is inspired by nature and the female form. Sometimes, you’ll see pieces where I play with the combination of the two. I also am known for my dramatic use of color and bold style.
I always try to create from the heart and allow the universe to channel ideas through my hands. When I get in my flow, I can be surprised by what comes out. I like to create freely without restrictions or limitations and allow the art to reveal itself during the process.
In the future plan to do more work in public spaces and create a more colorful community. I believe the best way to leave my mark is to keep following my passion and continue to inspire artists around me to follow theirs.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe as an artist it is very important to be persistent, playful, and true to yourself. My persistence has had large impact on my career and it has allowed me to grow organically and mature as an artist.
I am dedicated to do what I love for a “living” and with that I had to put myself out there.
Most people are not overnight sensations. They work hard for their progress. If you can combine hard work with your passion the opportunities can be endless. I like to think about my “job” as play time, time to explore and get out of my comfort zone.
I also had to learn that it is okay to say “No” to that commission or that job, if it doesn’t sparks a fire in your soul. No need to force something. If you remain true to yourself and your craft, doors will open and your path will be illuminated.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I know I need to reset. I take a break, get grounded, meditate, or sleep. Then with fresh eyes I look at what needs to be addressed. Someone once told me about looking at your responsibilities like balls that you have to juggle. Some responsibilities are more important, those ones are made of glass and others that can wait are plastic. As long as you don’t drop the glass ones you are in good shape. That has always helped me prioritize and be realistic with my time and my energy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taylorboydstudio.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/taylorboydstudios?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TaylorBoydStudios?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Artwork Photos (By: Me) Personal Photos Taken by: Brittny Miller
