About the artist & writer
I am the most productive artist you’ve never heard of, merging decades of large-scale mural & sculpture installations with essays, art, and photography. I’m driven by curiosity about our built and natural environments. Making art is a way to learn about what things mean. On Substack, I write about adaptation, both as a creative and as a human on Earth.
Link to main website: stephanietaylorart.com
Artist: Collaborating with architects and designers on site-specific installations: paintings, murals, sculpture, mixed media—cement to fabric to steel, across the US and in Paris and Kyoto. Research-driven approach exploring history and 'sense of place.' Major hospitality projects include Disney flagships, Hilton, Hyatt properties.
Writer: Freelance essayist and Op-Ed contributor, Sacramento Bee (2011-19, 2024)—'California Sketches' series blending art and non-fiction. From Mount Shasta to the Mexican Border, from the sea to the Sierra, Taylor writes essays and makes drawings, taking the reader along. What lies just between the surfaces of things?
Co-author and collaboration on three books.
1) 'Water: More or Less'—anthology examining California water through politics, history, essay, and art. Rita Sudman, former director of the Water Education Foundation, provides history and policy. Endlessly curious about this engineered system, Taylor immerses herself in finding answers in essays and art.
2). 'Simple Objects'—is an exhibition book documenting the emotional and profound loses from Paradise's Camp Fire (2019). A collaboration between a woman’s loss of two homes and Taylor: together they explore ashes and return to contemplate from two perspectives. The woman from her subjective memories, and Taylor through her objective role as photographer of every found item, starting with tiny remains.
3). 'Frankenstein: A Graphic Interpretation'–a collaboration with the Sacramento Public Library in celebration of the 200th anniversary of its publication. Taylor edited Shelley’s original text, editing passaged that could be illustrated graphically.
2024 Focus: Environmental artist and documentarian of the American West—chronicling agricultural adaptation, water management, wildlife corridors, and forest resilience. Asking questions, finding answers.
Adaptations
In 1996, I went to Florence to see if I could be a painter, even though I’d made my living as a painter all my life. I found an authentic answer from an unlikely source. I’ve been following my curiosity ever since. Come join me.
The artistic process
On the ground, real-life experiences of an artist constantly adapting to a changing world. With a degree in history, most of my work has focused on California history, culture, and especially water. Substack, has helped me realize that there’s no separation between me as a human and me as a creative. If you’re interested in the concept of process, please join me by subscribing.
As an incentive for paid subscriptions, email staylorstudio@gmail.com if you’re interested in a fine art print.
With appreciation, Stephanie.
