We recently connected with Taylor Childs and have shared our conversation below.

Taylor, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I am driven by stories and the people around me. I was born and raised in Detroit MI. I went to an art high school where I was surrounded by creators. My aunt would often recite the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child.” I have been reflecting on my life and I often think of myself as the community’s baby. I have always been inspired by stories. Whether looking at old family photos to investigate time, place, and identity. Narrating my story or the stories from the people who live here, I find power in sharing stories from real people.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Artist and Detroit native (American,1995) Taylor Childs explores the representational visual vocabulary and themes of; family, the after effects of the African Diaspora, the perception of people, consumerism, bling culture and how the Diaspora affects African Americans contemporarily. Taylor translates this into a narrative where these themes are applied to explorations of fabric manipulation through textile tradition in order to create a dialogue representing African American life. Childs is the most proud of her work in the community as an art teacher.

Childs received a B.F.A. from College for Creative Studies, in Detroit, MI. During her time at College for Creative Studies, she interned with local artists such as Carole Harris, and Tiff Massey. Childs recently curated an exhibition named After Effects held at Patch and Remington Gallery located in Marcellus MI. In 2021 Childs showed work at Art Prize, in Grand Rapids, MI. Childs actively participates in the Month of Design sponsored by Design Core. Some of the shows include Footlocker Sneaker House; 2020, 2022. Design In the City: Trunk Show, 2020. In 2022 she held her first solo exhibition held the Roasting Plant, Detroit Mi. Some other shows include Unraveled. Restructured. Revealed. Trout Museum of Art, Appleton, WI. 2021 Group Show, In this House, Art Mile: Library Street Collective, Detroit, MI. 2021 Solo Residency. Siren Hotel. Detroit, MI.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Society can best support artists and creatives by creating a creative eco-system. In my continuous journey to grow as an artist. I have always found power in communicating with artists/ mentors that have come before me. An eco-system (in general use) a complex network or interconnected system. Interconnected is a word that stands out to me from this. We need each other. I have witnessed these artists use one another instead of shutting out people because of the fear of scarcity with resources. We should be the source; from community we create the things/ systems we want to see in our world.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My overall goal is to create a non-profit that provides artistic resources to the community. I want to teach art and fashion and provide resources to Detroit specifically.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.taylorchildsstudios.com
• Instagram: @taylorchildsstudio

Image Credits
Jimel Primm