Taylor J.

Posted by on 03 Apr 2019
Narrated by: Taylor Johnson
– ‘Paper Crown 5 Minute Sample’ is from Paper Crown by Jim Peterson, available here on Audible: Paper Crown
– ‘Napkins 5 Minute Sample’ is from Napkins: Rare Poetry & Prose Archives by Steve Dustcircle, available here on Audible: Napkins

One of my earliest memories is sitting down in front of a T-Rex skeleton at the Museum of Natural History in New York and crudely sketching out the form on a piece of paper with a pencil. Ever since I have considered myself an artist, though my definition and understanding of what that means has changed many times since then.

I soon traded the pencil and paper for crayons and markers and I think most kids probably stop there. I became fascinated with graffiti in High School and carried my sketchbook everywhere. One day the markers turned to spray cans; My canvas was anything that allowed me to scrawl my moniker out, ‘enzyme’. I practiced my style in my sketchbook and I started to paint larger versions at the Train Yards like everyone I looked up to. My parents gave in to my plea to build a wall I could paint in the backyard. Sometimes with 3 or 4 colors I would do my best to replicate what was in my sketchbook on the wall, then I could take a picture and completely paint over it, starting fresh. The way spray paint can blend and fade together provided endless hours of amusement and experimentation; The control and precision required to make pieces I liked called for endless hours of practice and trial and error.

Over time I have created pieces I am proud of with charcoal, chalk and oil pastel, acrylic paint, water color, airbrush, and colored pencil. After creating visual works for years and studying art at Metropolitan State University of Denver, I have developed a strong understanding of the elements of an effective image.

Most people think of art as what is available in galleries, museums and traditional mediums such as painting, drawing, perhaps architecture, music or photography. Some will acknowledge more abstract definitions of what it means to be an artist, such as the art of cooking, the art of writing, or the art of something seemingly as linear as computer programming.

I have come to believe unequivocally that all forms of expression are truly art, whether the creator or the viewer choose to acknowledge it as such. Art is present in the way we speak, the clothes we wear, the circles of friends we choose to interact with and even the way we get to work. What this gives me is an unbridled sense of possibility. While I love canvas, paint, and all the forms most traditionally considered to be art, I recognize that as a true artist I am never confined to these, or to any mediums. I love to look at things that are seen as the antithesis of art (like golf) to identify and experience artistic elements such as form, line, color, value, repetition, intention, function, purpose and so much more.

For years people have told me that I should use my voice, to be on the radio or do voice-over work. Eventually I began to audition for voice work online. In 2018 I completed the narration of 2 books available on Audible: Paper Crown by Jim Peterson and Napkins – Rare Poetry and Prose Archives by Steve Dustcircle and another book called Impossible to Swallow by C.J. Anderson Wu. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about recording and editing. I have improved my skills tremendously however there is still so much more to learn. Learning how to better control my voice and expand my dynamics has been challenging and rewarding.

Surely modeling is yet another form of artistic expression. I relish the opportunity to collaborate with brilliant minds to produce work that inspires. The best photographers and designers are masters of visual communication. I know that together we can create pieces that are tasteful, impactful and timeless.

I have been lucky to live in Colorado since I was 10 years old. Having lived in Boulder, Broomfield and currently in Denver, I find the growth to be tremendously exciting and inspiring. The fact that so many people want to move here is a reminder to be so grateful for this incredible state we live in. Colorado will always be home to me but I have a strong desire to travel the world and experience many other cultures. My dream is to do work that connects, uplifts and helps people see the infinite power within themselves, especially when they do not see it on their own.

        
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