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

Heather, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve always loved creating as a child. I would play with clay, paint, draw, and even sew. Thru the years and the endless support of my family and friends I decided my senior year of high
school that I was going to pursue a career in the arts. My first year in college I decided to go
against the grain and contact cafes and galleries around Providence, RI to showcase my
paintings. I had my first art showing in 2000 at the Hope St. Café. I successfully sold three
pieces of work. I knew then I had made the right decisions.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Heather Taylor. I was born and raised in Rhode Island. I went to college at Hesser College in Manchester NH where I studied the arts. Then transferred back to Rhode
Island to craft the skills I had to be more successful. In 2003 I started working at Peter Pots
pottery in N.Kingstown Rhode Island where I would develop my slip cast and pottery skills under
a great potter Oliver Greene. I had several dueling art shows every year. In 2008 I decided to
move to Nederland Colorado because the music and art scene was on fire. It didn’t take me
long to immerse myself into the scene. I held art shows around town and started doing more
murals in public and private spaces. I have always found social media especially helpful for
connecting with my audience and potential clients. With this tool I have been able to ship my
paintings out all over the world. It feels great. I am still currently holding art shows and fairs now,
even hosting art markets for other Artisans. It feels good to give back.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect about being a creative is a loaded question. I think for me it’s how I can see a different perspective on life. A different way of looking at what everyone sees.
By this I mean a person sees a bear in a forest, I see a neon graffiti bear who is in his own
psychedelic world. As creative types we bring a very necessary energy to the world. Arts and
music can heal the soul lift us up and feel emotions. I know when I finish a painting and feel a
strong emotion towards it and someone else does too. To the point in which they want to
purchase it, It feels really good. I know that it’s the universe reminding me of my value, and
that’s gratifying.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I remember when I first got to college my art professors would condition us to forget everything we know about how we created and our techniques. Completely retraining how to
create the way the professors wanted you to create. Deep down I didn’t want to paint or draw
like everyone else. I already had developed my own style. So I applied what knowledge was
coming in at the time and develop my style even more. I would say I probably had to unlearn
some habits I did but I think it was more like crafting my style in a sense.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theartofheathertaylor.com
• Instagram: Glitterslapfight
• Facebook: Art of Heather Taylor
• Twitter: Art of Heather Taylor
• Other: Instagram: Glitterslapfight TikTok: Glitterslapfight