Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Taliaferro-Taylor.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Against the Grain Studio started with a name first about ten years ago. Through many life changes and obstacles, it finally took on a physical reality in a small town in west Texas in 2015. The dream was to create an environment in which everyday people could create using different art mediums and have exposure to artists and their work. We wanted to be a platform launching artists out into the public, collaborating with other artists and artisans and people discovering something new in themselves and the value of art as a whole. After the startup in west Texas, we, (our family of 5), ventured west and settled in Granbury, on the historical Square. This is where the blooming of the whole dream came into fruition. Operating seven days a week, we offered walk in make and take mediums for all ages, a gallery of local artists’ work, an artisan marketplace, local music on the weekends and artists lead art classes. Our two oldest daughters, (ages 15 &12), also have been involved with teaching pre-school aged children art bi-weekly. We believe that we are made in the image of God and if He is the Creator then we are made to create, and we made a place for that to happen.
Please tell us about your art.
People ask me all the time when they enter the gallery/studio where is my art. I am an artist that of course meddles in different mediums in which is offered here but I answer them with “you are”. My joy, and I believe my best work, is creating spaces to inspire others and also encouraging those trying something new. Almost every day I am reminding someone they are made to create. I believe that with my whole being. Art is relative in which we can all create something beautiful or meaningful. I have given and built up confidence not in just our daily customers but in the artists that hung their work here, or the artisans that thought maybe they weren’t good enough to be labeled an “artist”. Seeing people take off with that freedom is amazing and knowing that I had my hand in it allows me to be blessed in return. Our tagline is “Your Art, Your Way” when I explain there are no rules in art, it is like watching bondage fall off of people.
Also, as a mother of three daughters, I want to show my girls that they too can impact others and even at a young age, can do big things. Following my dreams and doing hard work with integrity, along with having fun, is so important as a mother to emulate to my little women; my personal masterpieces.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
What I can directly relate to is seeing the unfortunate removal of art from schools. Seeing children come into our studio and them realizing that they don’t have a certain criteria to make art and then not really knowing what to do next without a step by step guideline has been critical in us trying to overcome. Children are so creative, and so I try so hard to encourage that creativity and imagination that is the purest at a young age.
We also had two prophetic artists in our gallery in which this day in age, it can be tricky to convey a belief system. This was a breakthrough in me to embrace the gift these artists have to take worship and or meditation and turn it into a visual voice. The general public doesn’t always grasp this concept and to invoke an awareness of this and to make it relative was, at times, challenging. We took it a step further and offered it as a class!
This is what art is about! The artists have this dual-edged sword of conveying creativity alongside imagination with sometimes the responsibility to convey a personal message that may or may not be received going in knowing that there will be those that do not give it value. Artists are brave.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Against the Grain is about to embark on another adventure. We have listened to our family and our customers and have decided to make our studio mobile. So many people have asked us to set up a studio in their town that when it came time to make a decision to stay or move, we decided to “go against the grain’ and be mobile, therefore allowing us to accommodate everyone! We own a school bus that is going to be converted for this venture. The goal is to continue our theme of supporting local artists in this conversion of the bus, treating it as a collaborated art piece. Currently, we have a Plumfund campaign going on to raise money for the remodeling. During the renovation, we will continue to offer artist-led classes and private parties with introduction to different art mediums in homes and for businesses. Our crowdfunding campaign can be found on our website:
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.atg-studio.com
- Email: againstthegrainartstudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/againstthegrainartstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgainsttheGrainStudio/
- Other: https://www.plumfund.com/fundraising/go-against-the-grain
Image Credit:
@S.E.WilsonPhotography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
