Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Boyd

Hi Taylor, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

I have been drawn to creating and making art since I was a small child.
I took every Art Class available to me growing up and was always working on something.

I went to Virginia Wesleyan University and graduated with a BA in Art and Communications in 2008.
During my time there, I won several awards from the Associated Press for my illustrations for the Marlin Chronicle.
I also began to sell my artwork to my friends and classmates. That’s when my dream to own and operate a studio gallery born.

After graduation, I had many different kinds of jobs that weren’t necessarily art related, but I kept creating and growing as an artist.

I did continue to sell my artwork, however it was not my primary focus. Until 2019, when I decided to quit my 9 to 5. I had always wanted to make a career out of my passion and I had finally gotten to a tipping point.
I told myself, “If I dedicated the same amount of time and energy to my artwork as I did in a “real job” I could make it work.”

So, I dove in heart first and began painting from home and selling my artwork on my social media platforms that I had established for my artwork years prior.

During the next three years, I stayed focused on my goals despite what the planet was collectively going through.
It was a surreal time.
I had a routine where I painted every night after my children were asleep until the early morning hours. I used the daytime hours to spend time with my kids, take care of the house, other responsibilities, and I was also processing and working my way through a personal dark night of the soul.
It was a very difficult, strenuous, and transformative time. I remember certain points where I was so exhausted, but my love for my children and art were my constant source of motivation.

Looking back, I can see how therapeutic my practice was. I am always very grateful when I think about those years spent at home. They were precious.

In the summer of 2022 an opportunity to rent a commercial space was presented to me. It seemed divinely guided or orchestrated for me. It was a big step and I found myself diving straight in again.
November 12 of 2022 I opened Taylor Boyd Studios in Warrenton Virginia.

Since my opening, I have painted a 70 foot mural in my hometown, illustrated a children’s book, painted and created countless works of art which I display and sell in my Studio Gallery, and I am the Vice President of the Warrenton Arts Commission.

If I told myself five years ago, that this is where I would be today, I don’t know that I would believe it.
Sometimes, you just need to take a leap of faith and know that the universe is conspiring in your favor.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

I wouldn’t say it’s been smooth, but I can say with certainty that without challenges I wouldn’t grow.

There are many nuances to navigating my art career and if I’m being honest, I find being interviewed challenging.
It’s difficult to answer certain questions because I try to protect my privacy, but think it’s important to be vulnerable and authentic.

Discussing obstacles I have faced in my journey can leave me feeling exposed creatively, socially, politically, and personally. All I can do is handle each one as they come and day by day, case by case.

It’s also challenging for me to be an involved member of my hometown community because, at times it is difficult to separate my Art from my duties as a citizen and business owner.
I am as involved as I can be with the time I have and I’m happy to be a functioning member of society, but at the end of the day I just want to create and enjoy my life like the next artist.

Since 2023 a group of local Artists have been meeting to establish the Warrenton Arts Commission. I am the Vice President and we hope to get our nonprofit status in the next year.
I am grateful for this group and excited to see what we will accomplish in the future.

I am also on a steering committee that is tasked with advising our town council with zoning and development for 2040.

Bottom line is that Warrenton, VA is changing whether I like it or not and my hope is that we can grow in a way that keeps the charm intact.
I do not want this special corner of the world to turn into a place I don’t recognize.
Change is necessary as our population expands and I’d like us to evolve enough to cultivate spaces that can also nurture creators.

Artists have the ability to change the aesthetic and energy of a space with their work and I believe it’s important to include the untapped visionaries.

We live in a very divisive world and people filter everything through the lens of their own life experiences.
I know first hand how even use of color can trigger some and delight others.
Not everyone is going to like your work or what you bring to the table and that’s okay.

I am always searching for the balance between my life as an artist and how I interact with my external world.

Today I choose to walk the middle path, viewing my experiences through a lens of love and desire to understand and to be understood.

I am trying to show up for myself and my community, but also not get too far away from my happy place and my center, which is within myself, the loves of my life, and my art.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I am an artist of many mediums, but at this stage in the game, I am predominantly a painter.

I am mostly known for my use of color, my style(s), nature scenes, and how I incorporate the female form/devine feminine energy into my work.
In my community, I am most commonly known for the “You are Home” mural that I completed in the fall of 2023.

I could list off my accomplishments, but what I most proud of is the fact that I took a leap of faith and chose to pursue my happiness.
I work hard and have a fierce determination to accomplish my goals and enjoy life.

I asked my dear friend what sets me apart from others and I’ll respond by quoting him.

“visually..
your multiple styles and ability to channel what you are feeling originally and reinvent yourself..

work habit..
your consistency and prolific output..

dedication and confidence to pursue your dream..

your ability to be vulnerable and lean into risk..”

-Emmanuel Peter

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.

I would consider myself a risk taker.
If you’re not willing to venture beyond the limits of your comfort zone, you will NOT evolve.
No risk, no reward.
I am not an ordinary person, and I do not want an ordinary life.
I refuse to confine myself and I will always push my limits because I know how much stronger it makes me, mind, body, and spirit.
I try to make calculated decisions and not be reckless, but I also have a blind faith and confidence that has always carried me through.
You will never know what you’re capable of if you don’t try.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/taylorboydstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylorBoydStudios

Image Credits

Brittny Miller did the headshots

And I photographed the rest