1xRun Thru Interview
Cowboys & Indians by Taylor White
1xRUN: Tell us a little about the original drawing, what materials did you use?
Taylor White: These pieces were drawn with graphite and ballpoint pen on printmaking paper. I alternated with layers of semi-gloss gel medium and white acrylic paint, periodically returning with the pen or pencil to bring back the darks. It resulted in a very subtle evolution of form. Later I took the pieces into Photoshop for greater depth and texture.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Taylor White: I’d been developing bits and pieces for a body of work that explored the darker twists of childhood, and these two little ones were born from the flotsam I had floating around on my desk at the time. They speak of a sense of loneliness that develops as young playmates grow up and grow apart.
1xRun: How long did the piece take?
Taylor White: It took about a day or so to complete the drawings and paint them, and then another couple of hours to tinker with them digitally.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Taylor White: These are hand-embellished with iridescent ink, so they’ve got just a bit more soul. Each is hand painted with gold and silver iridescent ink (gold for the cowboy, silver for the indian) – the inked highlights add an extra layer of depth and mysticism to the pieces. I hope the photos communicate as much.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Taylor White: If the piece allows them to experience a moment of connectedness, however brief, then it’s something they should own for themselves. It’s also hand-embellished, so it’s got my DNA on it. If that does anything for you.
1xRun: Describe the print in one gut reaction word.
Taylor White: Raw.
1xRun:When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Taylor White: I produced volumes of work from toddlerhood onward. I would fill up ream after ream of that green-and-white striped dot matrix printer paper with repetitive drawings of pregnant ladies, homages to E.T, dinosaurs, ninja turtles, and ostriches. I was made famous in my kindergarten class for my ability to render monkeys. My first piece was a family portrait (below) at aged 2.5.
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on?
Taylor White: I was stimulated as a child by cartoons, animation and children’s book illustrations. Robert McCloskey’s ‘Make Way For Ducklings’ remains a stand out, as do the Don Bluth classic animated films ‘The Land Before Time’ and ‘An American Tail.’ Toward the end of grade school I became a disciple of Dalí and my world expanded from there.
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what?
Taylor White: I listen to a lot of beats and remixes; anything that will allow me to get connected with the rhythm without being distracted by the content.
1xRun: What else do you have in the works?
Taylor White: I recently returned to my roots in Raleigh, North Carolina where I’ll be taking advantage of the relatively low cost of living and setting up a studio/landing pad. I’m developing some new work for a solo exhibition here, and I’m excited to see what contributions and changes I can make to the developing community. I expect to get back to traveling at some point next year.
1xRun: Where can people find you?
Taylor White: Website – Instagram & Twitter & Tumblr : @taylurk
-1xRUN