Rising Stars: Meet Janny Taylor of Warehouse Arts District, Tucson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janny Taylor.

Hi Janny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
As I recall, the first “work of art” I created at age five was an assemblage: I endlessly decorated and redecorated a small artificial Christmas tree with found objects from the house, the woods, and the streets. No traditional tinsel, lights, or ornaments; just twigs, scraps of paper, empty pill bottles (my father was a pharmacist), lost keys, and a rare playing card. Decorate, dump, and decorate again. I was looking for materials, endlessly assembling. Beyond the holiday season. Just me. A solo journey lost in space and time. Blissfully entertained, I was and remain hooked.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Have you heard the expression, “Smooth seas make for poor sailors?” Let’s just say that I am an excellent sailor. Life is a bumpy road for everyone. Some rides are bumpier than others but never smooth sailing. I’ve learned that it’s okay not to be okay and that, most assuredly, I can and will channel the best and worst of it into art. There was a time when I was feeling particularly low. To get in touch with those feelings, I painted a series of portraits: of female artists who had either been institutionalized or committed suicide. You might think this might sink me further into a deeply depressing chasm, but it did not. Reading about the artists, painting their portraits, and channeling myself into the process lifted me right out of the abyss. (See attached portraits of Yayoi Kusama and Alice Neel.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
A few decades ago (yes, decades), I asked a collagist, “What glue do you use?” She did not, would not tell me. Top secret glue? A glue so dear and magical that she could not share? I was stupefied and vowed to share glue secrets, special papers, and best substrates as much as possible. To that end, I recently received a grant from the Pollination Project that has enabled me to invite people into my studio to collage with me on the first Saturday of the month. I supply the materials, and I do if I can answer a question! I call this happening, “Cut, Paste, Scream!” If you live near Tucson or are visiting, please reach out!

What are your plans for the future? Please talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy.
Happiness is a choice. Make note of what brings you joy and incorporate it into your life. Creating something into existence that wasn’t there before makes me happy. Sharing experiences, thoughts, and art supplies makes me happy. And as a graduate of the New York University coaching program, I can say with certainty that helping people envision and create a happy life makes me extremely happy. I’ve been working with people for over twenty (20) years. It is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve encountered.

Pricing:

• If you want to acquire one of my creations, please know there are cards for as little as $3 and some fantastic paintings up to $3500. I do my best to make my work affordable, as sharing my work does indeed make me happy. My coaching services are available as well. I offer a 4-week program for $840 that is illuminating.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.JANNYTAYLOR.com
• Instagram: @jannytaylorcreates

Image Credits
Photos 1/2 – Headshots, 3) Yayoi Kusama (painting), 4) Alice Neel (painting), 5) Blue Veil (collage), 6) Witness (collage) 7), Warrior Woman (collage), 8) She Lived High Above (collage)