Monday, January 31, 2005
Sunny Taylor is a local painter who you guys oughta love. She has a wonderful painting of Vic Chestnutt (which was previously mentioned here) that was recently displayed at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. However, that painting is only the tip of the iceberg. She's really got some beautiful work.
While looking at her portfolio, I was under the false impression that she was much older than me... I was surprised to learn that she's only 22. I think that's a compliment... Means she comes across as wise in her paintings.... Not that you can't be wise at 22... ok... I'm rambling on.
Athens is lucky to have her around...
So, I asked Kitchen Supervisor (a friend of Sunny's) to do a quick e-mail interview with her. Here's what she says...
Why do you paint?
Sunny- i guess because i have to. if i didn't i think i'd be far more confused and grumpy than i am now. although painting is incredibly frustrating, so i'm not sure how it works. painting really is just a way of expressing and so i think i paint to express a part of me i can't communicate through any other means.
What made you move back to Athens after three years in NYC?
Sunny-it was expensive there and things were changing. my friends were moving, i was at a pause in my art and my own growth, and as hard as it was- because i absolutely love ny- i think i just felt like i needed to move home to athens again to finish stuff up, like school and such, so that when i go back, i'll be more prepared. it was just time for a move.
After growing up in Athens and now living and working here as an adult, do you think there are some quality things happening right now with art in Athens?
Sunny-there is quality stuff- i just went to a great little art exhibit tonight actually. but it is also sometimes stifling and small. Athens is definitely supportive though. As far as talent and such, it is all about individuals. there are many uniquely amazing individuals here and that is largely what makes the quality things happen. There do seem to be some great places too- the 40 Watt, Caledonia, and Nuci's Space, for music, and ATHICA, Elements Art Supplies, Lyndon House, etc, for art. I'm on the board of ATHICA, which has been a neat experience- although there is a lot of envelope stuffing and such things- but i do think places such as ATHICA and the music venues, are great resources to let those individual characters shine through. i spend an awful lot of time in my own house and little bubble though, so i may not be the best person to ask.
What do you think of corporations providing so much money for art these days?
Sunny-i think individual artists need to just put there foot down, even if it means a loss in profit or opportunity by not selling to chase bank, or phillip morris. it is such a huge disturbing area- if the powers that be really manage to co-opt and privatize art, i don't know where we'll be, but it sure won't be sincere or soulful.
What are some of your current projects?
Sunny-my friend and i are trying to start an organization to send art supplies to different places in need. our first project is going to be for people effected by the tsunami. i'm having a show in atl right now and our first real event
is going to be an artshow auction to raisemmoney. its on feb 3rd during the opening for my exhibit.
Here is all the info for her exhibit:
VSA Arts of GA: Arts For All Gallery
The Healey Building
57 Forsyth st NW, Ste. R-1
Atl, GA 30303
404.221.1270
www.VSAartsGA.org
Update: Financial Guru sent me a nice little article from the ABH about Sunny.
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