Artist Statement
Making contemporary figurative art is how I make sense of the world, resolve conflicts within myself and with others. Although I started painting in oils, I later found that acrylic and mixed media offered me multiple layers and effects that were so much fun. I was able to let loose in the early layers of the underpainting to give the figures a real sense of emotion in place. I know a painting is finished when I find myself engaged in eye contact with a figure and a conversation begins. If I really pause and “listen”, sit with the figure, I can come away with a new perspective or sometimes a sense of calm abiding through an invitation to accept what is.
When I started to show my work, I realized that others would either resonate with the stories or find their own stories in my work. So now I relentlessly paint not just for my own need for clarity and compassion, but also to help connect with others, so they can find their own stories, their own sense of peace.
We are Family
We are Family Mixed media on cradled panel 14"X31" 2025
In this painting there are several layers of meaning. There is the feeling of being different from the group, feeling isolated. Then there is the comradery and support in the group of chosen sisters that are "family". Deeper still is the Jungian sense of parts of me and the reminder to honour all the aspects, the isolated and lonely, the proud, rebellious, tender and studious.
Lone God
Lone God Mixed media on canvas, 47" X 47", 2025
The meaning behind Lone God is really all in the title. I had taken the photo reference in the past, drawn to the expression and demeanor of his beauty. Once given his painting home, I felt his sadness and a sense of waiting for something to happen. Is he waiting for a sign or a command in that dog like fashion? Is he waiting for a soul mate, for connection, as suggested by his visible penis? I feel like he is on the precipice of something, having come such a long way. Another one of those moments where art imitates life.
The Long Road
The Long Road, Mixed media on cradled panel, 27"X16", 2025
Life's challenges can make the journey feel long. Agreeing to keep getting up and walking the path there is a sense of resilience
Small White God
Small White God Mixed media on panel, 67" X 36", 2025
Although I took the photograph of this small white dog last year, it wasn't until she found her way into this vast landscape that I started to understand what I found so compelling about her in the first place. I am moved by her innocent beauty and the way she is listening to the sounds of nature, taking the time to consider and wait for the signs that will lead her where to go next. I use the word god here to convey that connection to our humble and innocent open hearted beauty that exists in the grandeur of nature as being what is truly spiritual and uplifting.
Gods in the Meadow
Gods in the Meadow Mixed media on panel, 67" X 36", 2025
Initially I thought the precious cat was to be god, but then I realized both figures are god and they are gods in the meadow. I was drawn to the luminescence of the cat holding space and looking off into the distance, back towards the viewer, setting a boundary. The ass/man/woman is for me a type of non-trinary being. Are we not all asses, masculine and feminine? I loved the posture with hands behind their back, non aggressive, head tilt curious, and slight hike to the pelvis suggesting sensuality. The meadow represents rich diverse possibilities and the beauty and nurturing of mother earth.
This Dance
This Dance Mixed media on panel, 67" X 36", 2025
A wonderful giddy journey of self abandon. The sikke (white dervish hat) is traditionally a tombstone representing the death of ego. The white indicates a direct descendent of Rumi, so there is a sacred lineage, as well all truly have. The graffiti on the hat suggests that this dervish is in fact an outcast as she is definitely not whirling. She has let go of ego though and doesn't give a toss what people think about this dance she needs to do. You could say she is uncontrollable. Then comes the partner , the strong solid grounded pit bull man that holds her up, tethers her to the earth and yet allows her to dance with full abandon!!!
Forty Reasons
Forty Reasons Mixed media on cradled panel, 67" X 36", 2025
There are forty reasons, at the minimum, why I left my husband. Here you witness the leaving, baggage in tow and shouldered. Walking away from a life that felt anaesthetized, like death (white light), towards the chaos and mess of a new life.
It's Just a Game
It's Just a Game, Mixed media on cradled panel, 67" X 36", 2025
The small pebble is thrown, in play, and she is poised and ready to leap and/or fall into the next move. Let the games begin again and again...
The Shepherd
The Shepherd Mixed media on cradled panel, 48" X 48"
I really loved the idea of this dog boy in his dapper suit, his clean white shirt and dress shoes out in a field in charge of all these crazy turkeys. One particularly excitable turkey in the flock running to greet him, to share the turkey news of the day.
Where are you?
Where are you? Mixed media on cradled panel 48" X 27" 2025
There have been times in my life where I have felt lost and alone, in essence abandoned. These are the times when I need to remember to call out and ask for help. When I look at this small boy I feel an urge to reach out, to wrap my arms around him and tell him its going to be ok. I painted this piece to connect with that urge to care deeply and to remember to direct that same compassion to myself...
Interrupting Patriarchy
Interrupting Patriarchy, Mixed media on cradled panel, 48" X 48", 2025
My Dad's class picture, this multi-grade Mennonite village of boys. Life was hard for these kids, lucky to be allowed to stay in school this long and not have to work full time on the family farm yet. That is to come and the work is hard and the economic reality tough. Their religious teachings will dictate their patriarchal upbringing. So, I just wanted to give them a reprieve, a day being clowns...
The Case Manager
The Case Manager Mixed media on cradled panel, 48" X 48", 2025
Whilst undergoing Jungian analysis I had a dream. Here it is, four archetypes in attendance, The vulnerable innocent, the passionate beauty, the intellectual and the case manager...she is the one that has the list of those who are permitted to enter the home. The case manager is the sacred one, the strong one who carries the history literally on her sleeve and most importantly is the key holder to the dark sh** in the basement...only to be opened when ready...
A Covenant
A Covenant, Mixed media on canvas, 48" X 54", 2025
An agreement amongst friends to support each other in their creative journeys. Each artist is wearing an image transfer of their work and they walk together on a path of discovery.
Contact me with any sales or exhibition inquiries keltaylor2020@outlook.com