Today we’d like to introduce you to Taryn Wells.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been drawing my entire life and grew up around artists but did not make the jump to being an artist until I was graduating from Boston College with a B.A. in Studio Art. Growing up biracial in a predominantly white town was the basis and starting point of my creative movement as an artist. I had many emotions and experiences that I wanted to relay to anyone willing to listen, not only as something cathartic for myself, but also to see if there were others like me with similar experiences. Using my senior project in college as an excuse to put these emotions to paper, I decided to explore racial classification in the modern age and how it pertains to that of previous generations. I focused mainly on graphite (on smooth Bristol) so as to mimic the black/white theme of my work and to convey the gritty subject matter.
Art has always been my passion and love, but I thought I would be pressured into a “cubicle job” once I graduated. It wasn’t until I spoke with a family friend that my initial step into my career began. He urged me to resist the pressure from the outside world and to do what I love. My parents supported me and my friends supported me, but I was worried about what the Average Joe would think and he explained that was no reason to fall into a career. It was from that moment on that I realized I needed to work at my craft and become a professional artist. I read through art classifieds, researched galleries, and submitted to every open call that I could find. It was about 3 months out of college that I got my first feedback and was accepted into my first group show. From there, I continued to submit my works to different galleries and open exhibitions and saw that I was actually being received rather well. I can honestly say that word of mouth, random encounters with gallery directors, and belonging to different artist communities have got me where I am today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I cannot exactly say that it has been a smooth road. Being an artist has its ups and downs: realizing that you will not be receiving a regular salary, the stigma of being an artist, constant rejection, and sharing very personal subject matter about yourself with the world is not exactly the easiest thing to do especially when you consider yourself an introvert. The other aspect that is not so easy in a creative occupation is coming up with new ideas when you hit the dreaded creative road block.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business revolves primarily around me being that I am the one who creates the art and promotes the art. My artwork is a dialogue that explores the complicated world of racial identity and the desire to find my place within it as a multiracial individual. The basis of the series emanated from my need to examine the dualities and dark truths of America which is just as important to acknowledge in today’s political climate. I would say that I am best known for my subject matter but also for the fact that I use graphite as a complete medium rather than just for sketch work.
That being said, I would not be able to do any of it without the help of my family. They have not only been participants in the subject matter of several of my pieces, but they have helped me hang shows, transport my art, and be there for me when I need a shoulder to lean on. I can’t stress enough the importance my family has had on my ability to break into the art world and I’m very grateful for and proud of the fact that it involves my family.
What were you like growing up?
I was a very shy, introverted child who always had a desire for art but also for any type of creative outlet. I was very family oriented (even as a child) and considered my parents and my brother to be my friends in addition to my family. I enjoyed school, cooking with my grandma, and learning about different cultures through travel.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tarynwells.com
- Email: taryn.wells@gmail.com
Image Credit:
ALL (c) Taryn Wells
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