EAST interview: Marian Taylor

There are two notable things that jump out about artist Marian Taylor right away: number one, she is self-taught and number two, she is pediatric oncology nurse. She turned to painting to deal with the intensity and emotion of an incredibly demanding profession. Rather than take a class or head back to school, Taylor just picked up a brush and found a great degree solace in the painting process. Soon she was churning out work after work, including oil, acrylic, spray paint, and charcoal on canvas, wood, and cardboard. Her canvases reveal something more than an enjoyable hobby, however. They provide the viewer a glimpse into how art can heal, comfort, and communicate. As she states, “The life and death battles and the strength of the human soul I witness are transformed onto canvas. Each of my paintings is deeply layered to tell a story.”

Marian’s work can be seen at on weekend's East Austin Studio Tour at 913 Nile Street (stop #101 on the EAST Map).

How long have you been an artist and how did you get started?

I began painting a little over three years ago when I started my profession as a nurse. Before that, I did not have a passion for art. I'm not sure what the turning point was besides the need for an emotional outlet. I have not studied art or taken art classes, but have slowly started to enter the "art community" by exploring the works of other artists.

How does your job as a pediatric nurse affect your artwork?

My experiences in the lives of children battling cancer are the background for my artwork. I certainly allow my emotions to guide my inspiration and I strive to express rather than suppress my feelings. I have learned so much about the therapeutic benefits of art through watching my own patients experience it in their own coping.

Why painting?

I don't really know what drew me to painting. I love colors and textures, so I really enjoy the different techniques I'm able to utilize to create many different looks. Like I said above, I didn't have any artistic influences in my life so I would say I just happened to pick up a paintbrush and it ended up being the greatest fit for me.

How would you describe you artwork?

I label my art as abstract. I paint in many layers; these layers reflect the many layers of the soul. The layers are created by our experiences and the end product is not nice and neat around the edges, but has profound depth. I 
hope to start conversations with my art—hard conversations about
 feelings—those that are rarely talked about. I hope to let people know that 
it is acceptable to talk about difficult subjects such as death and suffering and to encourage people to find their own outlet. I also love to
 share the joy and beauty that I have witnessed in my profession and life in 
general. My art covers the full spectrum of emotions.