MICHAEL E TAYLOR
Michael Estes Taylor’s artistic journey is a culmination of various experiences spanning over many years. He hails from a small community outside of Nashville and has had the opportunity to travel across the world, residing in Kanazawa, Japan, and Smolin in Sweden. Throughout his career, Taylor has been awarded prestigious accolades such as the National Endowment for the Arts Grants and the Fulbright Hays Scholarship. Furthermore, his artwork has found a place in esteemed permanent collections of art museums worldwide, including the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Museum of Art in Washington DC and the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. Taylor's creative journey is exemplified through two significant monographs - "Traversing Parallels " and "A Geometry of Meaning," illuminating both his work and his life.
Initially rooted in the creation of functional vessels using clay, Taylor transitioned to crafting allegorical vessels in glass. This shift, combined with his career in university teaching, provided him with a sustainable living for himself and his family.
However, life experiences, personal ambition, and the inherent limitations of the blowpipe prompted Taylor to venture beyond vessel formation, embracing sculptural forms. It was during his residency in Sweden, supported by the American Scandinavian Foundation Grant, that he made a significant breakthrough in his artistry. Working as the artist-in-residence at the Johanfors Glasbruk, Taylor created a captivating series of fully transparent forms, which emphasized the encasement of the all transparent interior within an exterior structure. These pieces garnered praise and were acquired by various art museums in Germany after being showcased in Cologne.
Taylor's artistic journey took another transformative turn when he relocated from teaching at Vanderbilt University to the northwest region of the United States. This shift exposed him to an entirely new perspective of the world. Immersing himself in backpacking adventures in the vast Owyhee canyonland wilderness, Taylor found inspiration in the desert landscapes and basalt mountains. The realization of our insignificance in comparison to the expansive "big sky country" left an indelible impact on his work.
To further broaden his artistic horizons, Taylor accepted a position teaching the History of Modern Art at the University of Idaho. It was through this role that he experienced a profound transformation in his visual thinking. The act of teaching allowed him to acquire a deeper understanding of art, exceeding what he had gained as a student. This experience greatly influenced Taylor's creative approach.
As he settled into his position at the University of Idaho, Taylor was presented with a unique opportunity to join the faculty at Rochester Institute of Technology's College of Art and Design. Accepting this new challenge allowed him to continue his quest for artistic exploration and share his expertise with a new generation of aspiring artists.
In conclusion, Michael Taylor's artistic journey encompasses a rich tapestry of life experiences, cultural immersion, and professional growth. From his humble beginnings in a small Nashville community to his renowned presence in international art museums, Taylor's work continues to intrigue viewers with its allegorical vessels and sculptural forms. His experiences living abroad and teaching at various institutions have served as catalysts for artistic evolution and self-discovery. Through his persistent exploration and unwavering passion, Michael Taylor has carved out a unique place for himself in the realm of contemporary art.