Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alana Taylor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alana , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew that I could not have a life worth living if art and the power of creating was not included. Art is embedded in everything we are yet we do not fully give art its credit and due value in our everyday lives let alone art experienced in extraordinary circumstances. Experiencing the beauty of creating something out of nothing and transforming through the process is what I’ve grown to know. It would only make sense to find a professional path in the arts. I really don’t believe I had a choice in it, I’ve tried traditional jobs and my creative being only became depressed. Innovation, technology through art and experimentation has been the context in which I have been able to experience art, create art and re-experience it in layers. Finding myself through art and professionally using art to transform the world around me, alchemy in a sense.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born in San Francisco, California, and raised in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Now, I call Montgomery, Alabama, home. My journey across the West, North, and South has given me a rich mix of perspectives on life and art.
I’ve made significant contributions to the art community through volunteer work, events, workshops, and collaborations with organizations. I advise the student arts organization at Alabama State University and assist with the Warren-Britt Galleries at ASU working as a curator and art director.
Art has always been a constant in my life, providing stability amid a tumultuous upbringing. I started exploring different artistic mediums early on, from 2D, watercolor and acrylics to clay sculpture, crafts, film, photography, music, literature, and digital art. This wide range of tools allows me to create works that symbolize the healing journeys we all go through. Currently my shown art is a mixed media style that combines abstract expressionism, graphic design, photography and paper cutting blending styles of expression and materials.
Throughout my career, I’ve received acclaim for crafting cross-disciplinary experiences that engage audiences deeply.My artist Moniker is Alana Enfinity, my art storyline revisits the themes of art healing, symbolism,exploration and innovation technology in its various ways and layers..
My art goes beyond gallery walls, appearing at events and travel destinations. In 2023, I had three solo shows. In May, I presented the first public virtual reality art show in Montgomery, AL titled “Alana Enfinity: Art of the Past, Present, and Future,” in Spatial.io. In July, I had a residency at the Coleman Center for the Arts in York, Alabama, with a solo show titled “Exploration of the Youniverse” at the Altman Riddick Gallery. (This show is still currently up). In August, “Exploration of the Youniverse Vol. 2” opened at The Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, AL.Each exhibition is an opportunity to expand my horizons and share my journey with others. For me, the essence of art lies in the transformative process of creation.
I’m passionate about connecting with my audience in various ways and helping others on their introspective journeys. Beyond my personal art practice, I am dedicated to nurturing the local art community. I mentor aspiring artists through educational institutions and foster collaborative projects. My latest venture, Mindful Meta Art, introduces art meditations as a tool for self-reflection and healing, expanding into creative art experiences.
Becoming a small business owner was a natural step in my journey. As a mixed media artist, I’ve seen how creative expression can heal and lead to self-discovery. My experiences, both personal and as a college art instructor, showed me the transformative power of art. I started my business Mindful Meta Art to create a platform that combines art, mindfulness to help others explore and express themselves through art meditations and art experiences. This venture is deeply rooted in my own healing journey and my desire to share the benefits of creativity with others.
Mindful Meta Art was created from the understanding that healing comes from within. I came from unhealed parents and their pains and traumas bled into my life; through my life journey I found constancy, possibility, and a creative outlet in art. Through my personal healing I found meditation and other holistic practices. While encountering many people in life, I saw there was a need for more accessibility and more options to experience and understand the benefits of self-reflection. For over a decade I have shared techniques and processes with my friends, family and students before the name or business was created. I decided during the Pandemic there was a greater need to share this alternative solution as a non-clinical option; or addition to their current life regimen. This year I was a featured speaker for the South & Appalachia Creative Placemaking Summit sharing Mindful Meta Art as an additional option for creative placemaking as well. As Mindful Meta Art continues to grow we look forward to expanding into products, more speaking engagement workshops and immersive experiences. Let’s breathe & create together.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The creative journey for me as a professional artist is expansion. I want to continue to be a student and teacher. Finding new ways to explore and express through art. I want more opportunities that are enriching and beneficial. As an artist , continuing to connect with the right people and places where your art is valued.

The objectives of Mindful Meta Art’s current journey is facilitating art sessions encompassing nurturing self-expression, promoting emotional well-being, fostering creativity, and offering a therapeutic outlet for individuals to delve into their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Engaging in artistic activities allows participants to unlock their inner creativity, experience a sense of accomplishment, alleviate stress and anxiety, enhance self-awareness, and build deeper connections with themselves and others. The ultimate aim is to cultivate a safe and supportive environment where individuals can discover solace, healing, and personal growth through the transformative power of art, regardless of whether they identify as artists.Art meditations play an integral role in creative placemaking by infusing spaces with creative energy, fostering community engagement, and enhancing the overall vibrancy of a place. Through art meditations, individuals connect with their inner creativity and explore their unique artistic expressions. This process not only enriches the personal well-being of participants but also contributes to the broader creative ecosystem of a community

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is that I’ll forever be an artist. No one can take away from me the ability to create, innovate, express. I’m very thankful that I have access to so many mediums, processes and I’m still learning. I love this artistic life is a journey and I’m enjoying the process. I’m not sure what my final destination will be for my art or my art business but I’m constantly excited to see what reveals itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mindfulmetaart.com www.alanaenfinity.com
• Instagram: @alanaenfinity @mindfulmetaart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iam.enfinity/
• Other: https://ovou.me/mindfulmetaart

Image Credits

Alana Enfinity