Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Beam.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve been a creator for as long as I can remember – drawn to colors, textures, lines, and anything that sparks inspiration. My work draws on this exact love. Color, line, texture, and anything that adds a little inspiration to the world around me. Nothing will stop me in my tracks quicker than a Joan Mitchell or a cotton candy sunset. Both of those bits of inspiration consistently show up in my work.
Growing up in Abilene, Texas, I was lucky to be surrounded by a community that supports and encourages the arts. I was blessed to have a mother that encouraged creativity in me and always helped me find my own voice – personally and creatively. Originally, I was scared of the idea of becoming an artist. I always knew I loved being creative, making things with my hands, and playing with color and shapes, however, there was a bit a vulnerability and uncertainty when I thought about pursuing this love as a large part of my life. It wasn’t until I was a senior in high school that I decided to take a risk and try my hand at “real” art for the first time. Since then, I have been blessed with the best teachers, mentors, and creative colleagues to continue pushing me, inspiring me, and encouraging me.
My career has been a mix of graphic design, fine art, photography, illustration, and art education. I am currently based in Abilene, Texas where I live with my husband, Simeon, and two Goldendoodles, Flynn and Zooey. I am also an art educator and photographer.
My grandfather’s last words to me were “Go paint those paintings.” So, here I am, painting those paintings and humbled that I get to share them with you.
Please tell us about your art.
I am an abstract painter. My preferred mediums are acrylic and watercolor. Art is meant to be a place of personal expression – inviting others into your story and allowing them to take something away from your work. My dear friend, Hayley, once said to me “your art has a joy behind it that isn’t explored enough…I feel like joyful art isn’t always given enough respect or explored enough. I feel like you’ve really nailed it.” To me, this was the greatest gift and affirmation! I want to provide others with a glimpse of joy. There is so much negativity in the world right now, why add to it or give it more power with my work? I appreciate artists that explore hard topics and give a voice to those stories; I just know that isn’t my calling as an artist. Don’t get me wrong; I feel that darkness quite often – I just work to use my paintbrush to quite that voice. Every story, emotion, and moment is valuable and worth exploring with paint and pencil. I hope that people can see a sense of peace, joy, and hope while experiencing my work.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
Just do it. If you have a desire to create, just try it. More importantly, stay true to who you are. Do NOT try to create something that you think will sell. It may sell, but you will be miserable – I know this from experience! I took about a three-year hiatus from my own creative work because of this. If you create because you want to create, produce work from your true identity, and share that with others…it will be a gift!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I would love for people to join me in following the process of my work on Instagram – @tayloralexandrabeam and on my website www.taylorbeamstudio.com. I am currently working to develop my blog and will have my work in other locations come fall.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taylorbeamstudio.com
- Email: taylor@taylorbeamstudio.com
- Instagram: tayloralexandrabeam
Image Credit:
Headshot by Cottonwood Road Photography
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