Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Johnson.
Hi Taylor, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a North Carolina native who has always had a passion for art. Art has been a constant in my life, but overtime it became way more than something I enjoyed; it became my way of expression, telling stories, & connecting with others. I earned my BFA in Painting & have continued exploring different creative mediums, from painting and sculpture to murals, custom pieces, & creative experiences. Much of my work is centered around celebrating not only the beauty & complexity of Black people, but also our experiences. Today, I’m continuing to grow not only as a Black woman but as an artist & entrepreneur with the goal of creating art that makes people feel something, see themselves & feel represented.
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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. From having a traumatic upbringing & dealing with depression to experiencing discrimination and microagressions all through undergrad, there have been many times I have wanted to give up. Fortunately, being optimistic has allowed me to take these trials & turn them into the very art that saved my life. In today’s time, my focus is on allowing my art to say the things that may have helped me then or others who are experiencing any of those feelings now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist and creative entrepreneur specializing in painting, sculpture, murals, mixed media, and experiential art. My work explores Black identity, beauty, culture, and lived experiences, with a focus on creating imagery that both acknowledges and celebrates Black people while encouraging deeper conversations about representation and self-perception. I’m known for allowing my practice to move beyond a single medium or category. I approach each project as an opportunity to experiment with how I choose to express myself. Whether that’s a fine art painting, designing a mural, tattooing, or developing an interactive art experience. I’d say I’m most proud of building a creative practice that is both personal and entrepreneurial. What sets me apart is my ability to combine artistry, cultural storytelling, and community in ways that make art feel accessible, intentional, and impactful.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have to give credit to my undergraduate mentor, Dr. Lydia Thompson. I went to her office one day in my sophomore year and told her I’d like to withdraw, I want to drop out; she said no. Here I am, some years later pursuing my Masters. My father has always encouraged me to try new things, and my mother is a crafter so she exposed me to a lot of different materials.
Pricing:
- Paintings $100-4,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://taylanae.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayz_canvas
