NOV 2020 INTERVIEWED BY: VERONICA ARGÜELLO VIA INSTAGRAM
TAYLER IS AN AMERICAN ARTIST BASED IN SAVANNAH,GA
TAYLER AYERS BY ELLEN BEERS FALLON
As an artist when and how did your journey in street art begin? whats your aim?
Hmm Street art wise..I’ve always been into Basquiat, Shepard Fairy, Banksy, and other crazy writers (graffiti term) so I just did a bunch of research on them and watched YouTube videos on the subject. My goal was/is to just get my work out there and make a public name for myself in whatever community I was in at the time
Why resource to streetart/graffitti ? what makes it different/better than other mediums/channels in the art world? (museums, galleries, etc.)
So the beauty and the beast of street art is that it’s for everyone. There’s no barrier for entry or ticket you need to buy in order to experience it. To me, street art is the art of the people. With galleries and what not, that whole world can be super exclusive and only let 1% of the population in. There’s not a real space for ALL types of people. That’s changing but historically that’s how it’s been
I don’t believe in vandalizing a church or stuff like that but it does add value to a city and society. It’s the voice of the people,the streets. It’s unfiltered. Street art, similar to people is inherently resilient. Paint something, gets buffed out, go back and paint it again. That can be used as metaphor for humanity as well.
Where do you see streets art/graffiti heading into, at least mostly in your journey or experience where do you see yourself going with it in the future?
I see it heading into more legal murals, a better relationship between the streets and the businesses and a better overall understanding of the art of the people.
For me? I still throw around my “TEA(TM)” tags but I’m not that interested in doing big pieces. As a black male I’m not trying to do something illegal so the risk of being caught and arrested/potentially killed outweighs the fun. I’m all for legal and murals tho.
What do you think makes a good street artist? any examples or inspiration?
Oooh good street artist?? Dang. I mean same ish that makes a great artist...simple but complex design, practice, improving, diversity in approach, evolving as an artist.
What has street art taught you?
Great question. It’s taught me that you can 200% make your mark on the world and people will react. You’re going to have to risk a lot or take some risks in general to make a mark, but good or bad...humans respond to those who can get attention
muchas gracias Tayler, :) it was a pleasure
Comments