We’re looking forward to introducing you to Taylor White. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Taylor, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Lately, it’s the New York Times Saturday crossword. It gives me just a moment to myself, unplugged. It keeps me nimble. I do them in ink.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a painter and muralist. I’m especially interested in large-scale pieces that live in public space, where people move past them every day, whether conscious of them or not.
My background is in illustration and studio painting, but murals pull me into the rhythm of physical labor, weather, surface, and community, as well as making people think I’m cool.
Within the last year I wrapped projects for two major innovation campuses (HubRTP and Spark) and The Weld apartment complex off of Dix Park. I’m working with the Coharie Intertribal Council for a mural at their community center in Clinton, followed by another mural project in the DC area after Labor Day.
I’ve also done a smattering of gallery exhibitions, including a solo show with Antler Gallery in Portland.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Probably not all that different from who I am now, just younger, messier, and with less refined tools. What has changed is my tolerance for noise; I’m less interested now in trying to explain myself to people who aren’t actually listening.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I don’t really relate to “giving up.” I relate to running out of money, out of patience, and out of inspiration, but not out of the drive to figure it out. As long as the work keeps showing up, so do I.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
That if the work is good enough, it’ll be found. Visibility isn’t always merit-based. Some of the least skilled artists I know are the most visible, while some of the best struggle to be seen. I used to think if I just got good enough, I’d be discovered and all my problems would be solved. But true success has more to do with timing, instincts, resolve, and a strong network. You have to be okay with not being popular and still keep doing the work.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
yes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://taylorwhite.art
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/taylorwhitestudio
- Other: https://taylorwhite.substack.com
