Artist Statement
"My sculptures illustrate the absurd humor (cognitive dissonance) one has when trying to hold both “realism” and “optimism” as one’s values.
I use imagery from midcentury American cartoons, modern art and ancient sculpture to astutely drum home friendly adages like, “everyone is trying their best.”
Hand-made sculptures symbolically visualize our collective humanity, give proof for a pro-human doctrine and make valid an optimistic approach to reality."
Biography
Austyn Taylor, b.1984, Rochester, NY, USA
Taylor is nomadic, traveling and lecturing in studios around the world. Lectures include UCLA, CCA, SFAI, MSU, CCAFA and several art centers. Residencies include Guldagergaard, Skælskør, Denmark, China Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN, Sonoma Ceramics, Sonoma, CA, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas, VARDA Residency, Sausalito, CA and currently, a third year at the intensely beautiful, hidden and historic Mendocino Art Center in Mendocino, California. Taylor shows internationally and in the states, notably Miami Art Basel and SOFA in Chicago.