Today we’d like to introduce you to James Jared Taylor.
Hi James, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, 65 years ago. I went to the Cincinnati Country Day School, and I developed an interest in painting and sculpture at a very young age. My father would take my siblings and me on adventures to the Cincinnati Art Museum when we were young. I remember wandering through museum looking at artworks by Pissaro, Rodin, Calder, Sam Gilliam, and sculptures from ancient Greece and Persia. The Rodin sculpture was a small torso study in bronze which really fascinated me.
After graduation from Cincinnati Country Day, I attended the Kansas City Art Institute, where I received my BFA. I also spent a year in New York City at the New York Studio School. From 1981 until 1988, I lived in New Jersey, or a word for the world, renowned foundry- The Johnson Atelier. During that time, I received my MFA from Rutgers University. In December 1988, I moved to California, where I have been living ever since. I was in arts education, and I retired in June 2020.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To be honest, there is no such thing as a smooth road, especially for an artist. I have had many successes, including having my artwork in collections worldwide. It is difficult to be both a practicing artist, agent/promoter, and teacher all at the same time. Sometimes, I had to create art I did not like or do odd jobs, but it paid the bills. However, I was an art teacher for 32 years and that was truly inspiring.
I practice art and/or music every day. Sometimes I work for a full day, and sometimes it’s only for an hour, but it all adds up. The more I work in my studio or in my study, playing guitar, the better I get. After 45 years of professional practice, I’ve had more successes and failures.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Primarily, I am a visual artist. I have worked in many different areas- sculpture, painting, drawing, and printmaking. Recently, my work has been predominantly abstract. I base a lot of my ideas on work by the Russian Constructivists, the Neo-Concrete Movement, and the Dutch De Stijl artists. I see my work is simply an evolution of their ideas in the present day. I use variety of materials and media, such as bronze, welded steel, acrylic, paint, and wood.
What sets me apart from others is that I am able to fabricate and create work in all types of media. I am a highly trained mold maker, welder, foundryman, and metal fabricator.
Outside of my practice in visual art, I also play guitar, and I have played with many jazz ensembles and big bands in Southern California. Play music complements my visual art practice.
Although I take pride in my work, I don’t let pride get in the way of my creative process. If I had to be proud of something, it would be having the joy of going into the studio every day to create something and being able to exhibit the work. It is also nice when that work is sold to someone who truly appreciates it.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have many favorite childhood memories- summers sailing and fishing around Nantucket Island, where my family went every summer, learning to ski in the mountains, and learning to surf. I still participate in alpine and cross-country skiing and surfing. Being retired from full-time teaching, I am finally able to devote some time to these outdoor sports I learned when I was young.
Pricing:
- My work ranges in price from $2000-$30,000.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jamesjaredtaylorarts.com/
- Instagram: jamesjaredtaylorarts
