Kate Taylor is an abstract artist born in Cambridge, England, and now works out of her studio in Toronto, Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Western University where she was taught painting by the internationally-renowned artist, Paterson Ewen.
“My art is a joyful interpretation of nature. Inspiration so often comes to me at the cottage with its evocative soundtrack of loons, lapping water and wind ruffling Maples and Pines; that’s really where I connect and feel most like myself. The very distinct feelings of grounded calm and dynamic movement that happens so beautifully in the natural world really resonates with me…positive and negative, energy and calm, push and pull of the Lake. I create with those seemingly opposing energies always in my mind’s eye.
My creative process begins with Baltic Birch panels - I connect the trees with my cottage, with light, new beginnings, and growth. I’m fascinated by the way the wood grain ripples and travels like water tributaries. Getting acquainted with and revealing the wood through the sanding, varnishing and meditative layering of fluid acrylic paint is like treading an unknown path; I like to slowly creep towards wonderful possibilities.
I tend to be associated with vibrant confident colour. And it’s really true, my internal palette is overflowing with jewel tones, from tranquil turquoise to dramatic magenta. Strong colour makes me feel bold, strong, unique. I think and look deeply at its weight and placement in my work. I like to create a focus point that is off centre, inviting pieces to be experienced from different angles and orientation, creating space for personal responses. By limiting myself to just a palette knife and a softly worn cotton cloth I aim to let the shapes and movement of each piece be very approachable. I get so much energy and excitement for my work by always playing, planning and solving the problems of a number of pieces at the same time.
As a true extrovert I really enjoy learning and sharing with my collectors. It’s very moving to see them love one of my pieces in a way that’s entirely authentic to them. I also really warm to the challenge of commissions when I am collaborating with a prospective buyer – creating something they have an active hand in…it is a real honour. One of the abiding pleasures of being a working artist is considering how my work can keep unfolding as a collector continues to engage with it for what I hope will be many years to come. I just love that so much!”
