janice Tayler
In a recent conversation with artist Janice Tayler, we learned about her deep connection to nature, her creative process, and the many sources of inspiration that fuel her artistic practice. This profile delves into the inner workings of an artist whose dedication to her craft results in inspiring and complex work.
Redefined Threaded Beams by Janice Tayler
What led you to become an artist?
For many years of my life, I was a professional dancer, starting at a young age with ballet and then modern dance. While recovering from an injury, I decided to purchase a painting kit. Shortly after, I saw the work of the painter Francis Bacon and was hooked. Abstraction excites me for its ability to touch complex emotions and tell deeper stories of our human collective experience.
Can you describe a typical day or routine in your studio?
Each day is different, depending on whether I have a deadline I'm working towards or if I have limited time to work. My ideal day starts by playing Bach on the stereo, sipping my coffee, and looking over work from the day before. I have a few different pieces on the wall in various stages of completion. If I have no deadlines, I will spend part of the day experimenting with new materials or color palettes. When working with a deadline, part of my day also includes packaging artwork, preparing paintings for hanging, and stretching canvas.
How would you describe your artistic style?
Abstracted landscape mixed media painting.
What materials and techniques do you prefer to work with, and why?
All my work is on a two-dimensional surface. I use various materials such as paint, varnish, charcoal, sand, cardboard, paper, and image skin transfer. I consider my art practice a way to archive my journey on this planet. Like keeping a visual diary, it gives me a sense of place and time. Over the years, I've collected a lot of different materials from places I've lived and traveled. The tactile nature of my work gives me a visceral experience. The process is analogous to our own lived layers and complexities.
How do you approach color and composition in your paintings?
In the studio, I keep color charts and the color wheel for reference. Often during color experiments, I come across a new palette that I will use in a few paintings. Colors in nature always inspire me. My composition usually starts with an architectural structure or framework as a base. This structure references the fragility and vulnerability of our bodies.
Is there any advice you would give to aspiring painters based on your experiences?
Stay open and curious. Work with passion and dedication. When I started, I would work for 10 hours every day in the studio. I was excited by so many techniques and materials. Find a mentor. Work on professional development, whether it's classes, drawing from the model, pursuing an art degree, or studying “how to art” books. Collect art books with lots of plates. You can learn and be inspired for years from these books. Watch lots of videos of artists working, famous or otherwise. Copy works from famous artists to learn how they did it. Witnessing the process unfold is a joy and a gift. Your art practice will have many challenges, but it is well worth the effort. Don't worry about developing a style; that will come to you.
What themes or subjects inspire your artwork the most?
Architectural structures and nature inspire my work. Aesthetically, this juxtaposition provides a dynamic composition. The demise of our planet concerns me a lot. What happens to the earth when architectural structures are left abandoned?
Are there any particular artists or movements that have influenced your work?
The Abstract Expressionists of New York for their large and expressive paintings, and German artist Anselm Kiefer for his monumental textured work.
How do you stay motivated and engaged in your work?
Each day, I go for a long walk by the water into the forest. I stand in awe of the trees and listen to the birds sing. Nature is an unbelievable miracle. My work in the studio feeds my soul and spirit. It gives me energy and joy. I'm always curious to create, asking myself... what if?
