Matt Taylor-Multimedia Artist

What is the theme of your work?

That’s a tough question to answer because a lot of time I let the work dictate the theme while I’m creating it. There are some pieces that I make with a concept in mind, but for the most part when I start creating a piece, I lay down some initial line work and then let it go from there. It’s fascinating for me to see what kind of work I end up with when I don’t go into making it with a preconceived idea. I will say, however, that the fact that I’m a graphic designer by trade influences the way I make my work. I can’t help looking at either a blank canvas or wall as though it’s a page layout. My knowledge of design does have a say in how the work is created.

What influences your work?

Nature, especially patterns that I see in nature. Actually, nature does tie into the fact that my work often doesn’t have a preconceived theme. When a plant grows, it’s going to do what it’s meant to do, but there is also some imperfection in the growing process. I’m interested in the organics of existence, and how things in nature can be so different from each other and often not replicated. Nature is always regenerating-building on top of itself. I am also influenced by the compositions that are found in nature as well.

What are your goals for your artwork?

My main goal lately has been to take on more jobs where the client understands my form of art making and seeks me out for my style and vision. For years, I’ve done design work for clients-making work that suits their needs and fulfills their projects. But now, I’m starting to get hired for my vision, I’m getting paid to make my artwork, which is how I want to keep on working.

What are your thoughts on the Toledo art scene?

Toledo is full of amazing artists and I am grateful that I am around them and that I call this city my home. I think the art scene has been shifting in the past few years. There are more faces than ever before. I think Toledo is starting to prove itself as a viable arts scene, so much that art-college graduates move to downtown Toledo and want to give it a try instead of immediately moving to a bigger city. Festivals like Artomatic get bigger every year. I think Toledo is going to keep on moving in the right direction.