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a knowledge of or interest in the fine arts as a subject or interest

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Nick Taylor - Artist

Nick Taylor - Artist + Student, living just west of Skibbereen. Nick is one of my fellow students at Rossa College, Skibbereen. Currently now in his 2nd year of the Art, Craft + Design course. We did this interview during lunch break.

My influences says Nick “are drawn from the figure and nature. I am also influenced by many artists. I can appreciate classical fine art, but when it comes to my own work it has more modern influences I'd say. I guess the classical is there but with a more modern edge. I'v kind of moved on a bit from abstract back to still life drawings and paintings. Back to natural figure work. I feel I am going through a more realist phase in my life. Getting real.”

Question: Has doing the course at Rossa College helped you to look at things differently?

"Definitely, when you really have to look at something you get to see a myriad of depth into something when you keep studying it. When you study a particular subject, drawing or painting it you tend to see things you would not see otherwise. Something that is quite amazing is there but not at first apparent. That's what I try to capture in my artwork. In every mundane thing there is something extraordinary. It's there waiting to jump out at you.”

Question: What's your favorite artist? Do you have one?

"My all time favorite artist used to be Dali that was in the past. Now I am kind of more influenced by Paula Rego. I used Rego for one of my Art History assignments last year. There are lots of hidden meanings in that kind of artwork. But in a more realist way more of the moment. I don't have a real favorite artist at this time I am keeping a broad mind when it comes to my influences."

"I am also trying to develope the work my self not to be to influenced by others artwork but to draw something out of myself. For me artwork either works or it doesn't. Its the initial impact of the artwork, if that is there it works for me. And in my own artwork I am always looking to create a good initial impact. That's is what I am looking for. You look at it, and it draws you in straight away. And then the viewer can then find there space within. To capture the viewer is the most important aspect.”

Comment: Nick is also into craft subjects things such as green wood furniture and stained glass.

"I view the crafts interest in my life such as green wood furniture and stained glass to be separate from my drawings and paintings. I have quite a few sculptures in my head which I would like to work on using a combination of different materials in an constructive way.”

Question: Where do you see yourself, say this time next year?

"Probably still painting away. At some stage I would like to display a body of my own work. At the moment I am developing a series of paintings and drawings. But I would like to move onto developing some sculptural works from those. That's where I'm heading to at the moment. I don't have a plan for my art I want it to develope organically at the moment. Maybe some time in the future I may have a clear plan on what gallery and know where I would like to have my work exhibited. At the moment I am purely developing my artwork. The reason I am putting them on Virtu – Art is that it is very easy to get them out there and to get a reaction.”

Nick Taylor - Artists Statement:
I loved the Art, Craft + Design course at Rossa College and excelled, obtaining distinctions in all bar two subjects. I particularly enjoyed Sculpture, Drawing and Painting. Since leaving College I have built a house and a studio on some land I have. I now look forward to developing and submerging myself in my art. I have created a 3m high sculpture The Shining Knight which I plan to incorporate in an outdoor installation involving similar knights in formation possibly called The Charge. My next project is an audiovisual piece using my sons broken radios, Tibetan audio and imagery together with war like effects. I get an amazing buzz from my art, especially my 3-D work. I see my future as a working artist and possibly an art teacher. I recognize I need to develop myself and see that the ideal way would be to go for the next level in my education. A Degree in fine art.