ARTIST STATEMENT:

At birth we are potential incarnate, full of curiosity, driven to explore the world and ourselves.  The Human Conditioning Program we subsequently endure does little to support and nurture that within us which is full of power and wonder.  Many of us (perhaps most especially the sensitive and creative ones) suffer terribly during our ongoing enculturation.  This was certainly the case for me.

My early childhood experiences led to a rebellious personality and correspondingly troubled life. But they also gifted me with insight, informed both by pain and by the many wonderful experiences which kept me going.  Throughout my struggles to cope with the World of Man, I received support and guidance from the natural world and 'otherworldly' forces, both of which offered a sense of belonging and acceptance I rarely experienced in the company of human beings. Creativity (art, music, writing) became a trusted, faithful outlet for wonderful moments of connection and for the alienation of not feeling truly bonded to my human tribe.

During my journey through life I have discovered healthy, supportive ways to reclaim freedom and empowerment. In turning away from self-sabotage and destructive, self-limiting beliefs, I share my understanding with other 'cells in the body of humanity' as creatively, openly and honestly as I am able. I am passionate about using my talents – the activities that bring me joy and a sense of mastery – in a life-serving manner, reaching out compassionately to other trauma and abuse survivors (which, to some degree or other, I believe we ALL are). Although I shy away from little in my desire to express my truth, I am increasingly mindful of the benefits of stating it in ways that support my own healing and that of others around me.

My art is a vibrant, spontaneous appreciation of the beauty and wonder in life, integrating both light and dark elements. To those who resonate with my work, I want you to know that your recognition and support plays a vital part in a wonderful process of healing & growth through creativity.

Humanity is evolving. We are developing ways to collectively embrace the darkness of the World and bring it into the Light which created us. Expressing this amazing dance of co-creation is my calling. My mission is to share this journey, process, and awareness with all who have eyes to see & ears to hear.

Jay Taylor, 2018

BIO:

I am a self-taught, independent artist, specialising in intuitive, mostly-abstract artwork which freely expresses the close connection to nature and spirit which have always been my saving grace.  My creativity has always been informed by intuition and inspiration, driven by a deep and abiding love for the creative process itself.

Born in Salford, Manchester, England, I presently live in the heart of the Peak District National Park in beautiful rural Derbyshire. I am self-taught in art, photography, writing and music, with a professional background in the entertainment industry and in graphic design. Singing, songwriting, performance and poetry were my main avenue of expression until I discovered abstract art.

Although I have drawn and painted daily since I could hold a pencil, I always felt restricted and frustrated by the structure and conformity of figurative art. ln late 2006, I was introduced to acrylic paints, alongside new ways of working with the abstract form. I immediately began to experience an exciting sense of freedom - the ability to express myself through paint without restraint or intent. During this period, my innate love of creating art was rekindled and its expression became infinitely more rewarding. I began exploring and experimenting in the field of abstraction, sometimes incorporating figurative elements, working with a variety of media - a process which continues to this day.

All of my creations are stream-of-consciousness: effort or 'trying' is not a part of the process for me. The work manifests without volition or force, expressing itself without constraint in a manner that feels deeply co-creative and authentic.

In early 2010 I began to make my work available to a wider audience. Since then, I have built up an extensive portfolio and exhibited work both online and in various venues in my native UK. In 2012 I published a book of my work, ‘Art for a New Paradigm’, and my artwork can now be found in private collections all over the world.

Jay Taylor, 2018