Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Bohne.
Hi Taylor, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up with an appreciation for creativity and the arts and ever since I can remember, when I’m creating something visually appealing, to me, it takes me somewhere that nothing else does. That feeling has never gone away . If I have something in my hands or a group of words, I’ll somehow sculpt or manipulate it, whether tangible or vocal, into something I perceive as art. After college I worked in my fair share of industries; inventory management, hospitality, revenue management, warehousing, auction, logistics brokerage….. you name it, but every job shared just one thing in common. At every desk or office I ever had, I’d find myself drawing every moment I’d have the chance. But art as a career always seemed like an unachievable fantasy. But at the point I realized this, I had started getting some traction and had thousands and thousands of hours of practice. Since making that leap I’ve devoted the great majority of my time to it and work at it with as much dedication and more passion than any other career I’ve had in the past. But now the chaos, uncertainty, as well a the beautiful parts of life have started to fall into place and increasingly make sense to me. Simultaneously, my art began resonating with more and more people, finding its way into collections that I’m honored to be a part of. It’s been a humbling experience so far and a testament to just how important extreme dedication and hard work are when working toward what your passionate about.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has most certainly not been a smooth road, but everything is relative and its more about how we perceive it and what we do with that. We all have a different combination of things to be thankful for and things that are not so positive. Some people more than others. I’ve personally had countless things to be thankful for, but also countless things that have been a struggle, sometimes felt like I was kicked while I was down, and even a bit of hopeless and feeling lost. Everyone has, at some point. I do my best to not carry the negatives as a chip on my shoulder, but not be afraid to talk about those things, to people I care about, and to channel them into humor and creativity. As an artist, when things like loss, trauma, or struggles are used wisely, they can be projected into something beautiful. Hence, I spend most of my time laughing and/or creating.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have always loved to draw, but dabbled in other forms of visual and musical art. But I was always afraid to paint because I was so scared that I would suck and then I’d have to come up with another dream job to fantasize about. So I didn’t start painting until I was older than most but after drawing for so long it started to make sense pretty quick. I was first noticed for the miniature wall hanging doors and windows with images inside etc. that you may see around. I stuck one on the front of a coffee shop called PhiloCoffee on San Pedro and W French in the middle of the night. The following day I was told by a friend that Philo posted on instagram, requesting the anonymous artist contact them to have a show there. That was my first opportunity to publicly display my paintings in sculptures, and for a month or so all the shop. Not long after I was still in Alta Vista and walked into Oscar de la Tienda bodega and the owner Cynthia saw my art and we discussed me displaying and selling it there, I started selling my fair share of doors, windows, and small pieces rapidly and the next thing we knew she decided to give other artists that opportunity and it soon became a hub for local visual artists, artisans and musicians. Fast forward a couple or few years. My art was seen by Ana Montoya, the owner of Anarte Gallery in Alamo Heights who I had previously known through her son many moons ago. She instantly understood and valued the integrity and flavor of my art after seeing my portfolio. The first painting I sold at her gallery was the very first night leading to many other opportunities. These interactions along the path of art and non stop creating and painting forged a trajectory that I’m still shaping and navigating now.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We often hear the term, “starving artist”, which is both helpful and also discouraging. Its helpful in that its a true phenomenon and its essentially a warning that being an artist isn’t for the faint of heart. The reality is, most artists are starving artists, figuratively and sometimes literally, and most of the time the greatest artists aren’t recognized until too late or more often than not, never recognized at all. But if you are dedicated and passionate enough to work tirelessly and have an eye or gift for it to begin with, along with the energy to do the leg work and network in your community, it isn’t unachievable. Nonetheless, don’t let “starving artist” or naysayers keep you from chasing that dream if you know in your heart you have the talent, work ethic and dedication to tell your story through art. If you’re thinking about becoming an artist, ask yourself, “But would it all be worth it?” If the answer is “Yes”…. then wait for the drinks to wear off and ask yourself again in the morning. My answer remained the same, and I haven’t looked back once.
Pricing:
- Please contact me on instagram @art_by_taylor_bohne or through my phone under contact information on my website for pricing information on existing art or commission pieces
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taylorbohne.art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_by_taylor_bohne/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/art-by-taylor-bohne
- Other: https://www.anartegallery09.com/artists/taylor-bohne
