Interview with Multidisciplinary Artist, Taylor Summers
INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY RACHELLE SUMMERS.
What are your goals for the future of your business?
Paint murals all over Australia and the world. Hold more art exhibitions and arts events. Open my own gallery where I can offer painting workshops.
What are your favourite parts of the painting process (both canvas and murals)?
My favourite aspect of painting murals is being able to meet so many people and community members. Painting in a studio can be quite isolated sometimes, so when I paint murals, I love when people stop to have a chat.
My favourite part of painting canvas artworks is the beginning of the painting process. I love getting huge areas of colour painted as I can use large, relaxed brush strokes. It feels very free-flowing.
How did you get into painting and starting a business?
I have always loved painting and creative projects. It’s like a constant pull, I’m always thinking about creating. Towards the end of my schooling, I knew that I needed to pursue a creative field, so I decided on graphic design, whilst building my art practice on the side. I now run my business full-time and I love it every day, even on the more difficult days!
What are some of your favourite projects/achievements in your career so far?
Last year I painted the largest mural of my career so far, over 70m2 at the Payneham RSL. It was a really special project to work on and creating an artwork so large felt surreal. I look forward to painting even larger murals in the future… one day a silo!
In July 2022 I held my first solo art exhibition based on native birds. Putting together an exhibition with an Opening Night required a lot of planning, and it was a big learning experience! The outcome was very colourful and special. I’m excited to organise future exhibitions, with my next coming up in April.
What are the challenges of mural and canvas painting?
The biggest challenge for me when painting murals is the physical demand. Spending entire days and weeks standing, painting such huge areas and climbing up and down ladders whilst exposed to the weather is a challenge, and I need to make sure to look after myself to minimise physical aches and the risks of weather exposure.
As for canvas painting, the biggest challenge I find is knowing when to stop painting! Working on an artwork for such a long period of time, I find it difficult to step back and see when the artwork is finished. I find not looking at the artwork for a couple of days helps me see if it needs any finishing touches or if it is complete.
What impact do murals have on the community?
I love how public art can become a beautiful experience for those who view it. The way someone’s emotions can be positively impacted by seeing public art is a very special and powerful thing. With every mural I paint, my focus is to bring happiness and excitement to all who view it.
What’s next?
I’m so excited to be holding my second solo art exhibition in April this year titled ‘Blessed By Bugs’, which will feature paintings and sculptures of native insects living around Mount Barker. At the exhibition I will also be holding canvas painting workshops!
For more information about the exhibition, or to book a workshop, please see: https://www.taylrjay.com/blessedbybugs
Other links you should definitely check out!
taylrjay.com
instagram.com/taylrjay/
facebook.com/taylrjayart
Want to see Taylor’s Murals in person?
Take a day to explore Adelaide and the hills and see some art!
Scan the QR code to find a map that will show you where you can find them!
Here are some of Taylor’s AMAZING artworks!
EDITORIAL NOTE: This article has been reuploaded and was originally published in 2023.