|
|
|
|
The Provident Bank's
Lobby for the Arts in Newburyport |
|
|
|
|
|
|
You're Invited to an
Artist's Reception Honoring Shane Taylor
Thursday, July 16, 2015
5:30pm - 7:00pm
The Provident Bank, 66 Storey Avenue, Newburyport, MA |
|
The Provident Bank’s Lobby for the Arts in Newburyport is pleased to present the work of Shane Taylor. The exhibit will be on display to the public during regular bank hours at The Provident Bank’s 66 Storey Ave, Newburyport location, May through August.
The public is invited to an Artist’s Reception honoring Shane on Thursday, July 16, 2015 from 5:30 – 7:00pm at our 66 Storey Ave, Newburyport, MA office. Light refreshments will be served.
About the Artist
My journey with art began almost fifteen years ago in my parent’s basement. It has since helped to guide me down roads I would have never have travelled without it as my compass. Those years spent painting became my escape from an otherwise mundane New England town. Art was slowly becoming my everything. Creating art gives me endless freedom of expression and a passion to pursue. The truth I found in art is my northern star, navigating my emotions to an end destination. I honestly believe art found me and saved me from myself.
In High School, my aunt (Randa Charland, a successful and accomplished artist) nurtured me to pursue my unforeseen talents by registering me for private painting classes. These lessons proved critical in developing my craft and building a coherent college portfolio. My extracurricular classes helped my ability and technique gain strength and structure that manifested itself into a scholarship to attend the University of Hartford, Hartford Art School. A top ten art college I would have never been able to otherwise.
I attended the Hartford Art School for three years before changing direction at the beginning of my senior year. I became a founding member of my fraternity and in three years was engulfed in a stereotypical college lifestyle but not enough art. I lost my direction and needed to find my compass again.
When I left college I met Curt, an amazing carpenter, and quickly a great friend. He taught me the fine craft of woodworking and carpentry. It was here I found a new dimension for crafting things with my hands.
With woodworking as my guide, I honed my carpentry skills by learning new techniques and different skill sets through the teachings of local builders and furniture makers. I fell in love with being a carpenter and the pride I get from the art of woodworking. My work is a joy. No matter the conditions, I embrace the unpredictability of New England weather. The constant challenge that the weather brings is something we all have to endure as New Englanders. One of the effects of coming to terms with this came in the form of, at first, snowboarding, and years later, to fill a void, I began surfing.
Surfing (like art) quickly consumed me. I became addicted to the water, wind and freedom. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. I started surfing year round, even through the dead of winter in order to satisfy my cravings for the thrilling adventure cold water surfing provided. The cold, unforgiving winters became a symbol of promising ocean swell and weather systems to come. I still bury myself in the Surfers Journals and old surfing magazines, reading stories about new and legendary surfers and the adventures they undertook. I realized I had to pursue my own dreams of adventure and passion. I asked myself, “How do I connect a life of passion, with a life of happiness?” The answer was simple; I had to pursue my career in art.
My new career in art and woodworking gives me peace and happiness. It gives me serenity over stress despite not always being financially rewarding. I get comfort in developing my craft as my anxieties take a back seat. Every day I work in my studio or woodshop, I fill a hole that was once vast and confusing. I’ve finally made the connection I’ve been searching for all these years. Be happy, follow your passions, and if you’re really lucky, they’ll follow you.
The Provident Bank’s Lobby for the Arts Program, celebrating its 18th year, is an ongoing series of local art exhibits displayed at all The Provident Bank branch lobbies. It receives no commission for artwork sold, and pays all expenses associated with the exhibit. The Provident Bank has been recognized for its commitment to building a creative community with a 2012 New Hampshire Business Committee for the Arts (NHBCA) Business in the Arts Award for the Lobby for the Arts program as well as for its support of local artists and cultural organizations throughout the Seacoast New Hampshire region. |
|
For more information about our Lobby of the Arts program, please contact Sara Spaulding at (978) 225-1402.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
