About the Artist

Stephen Taylor was born September 26, 1962 in the Jamaican seaside town of Black River. He migrated to the United States in 1989.   He is married and a father to four whole boys. 

Though he was mostly self-taught, his interest in art began at age 13.  Until 1977 when he won a scholarship (a gift from Fidel Castro) to José Martí, a Cuban art school in Jamaica where he was able to develop his skills.  When he was 14, Castro visited the school and his teachers asked Stephen if he had a painting that he could present to Castro (a high honor at the time).  He was so nervous while presenting the painting, that in the middle of the speech, given in Spanish, he ended up speaking English.  Castro gave him a big hug and said, “Don't worry! I really like your piece”.  This moment helped solidify his passion for art and he continued to focus on developing his skills.  Shortly after this, someone took advantage of his gift and sold his artwork without paying him; his passion waivered and he stopped painting. 

In 2012, Stephen realized that he had to resume painting.  It became a passion that he could no longer deny and within that year he completed six paintings.  He now paints because he has to; there is something inside that he is compelled to share.  Painting transports him; he is able feel the breeze against his skin, hear the leaves rustling, smell the salt from the sea, see the sun casting light and shadows from whatever image he paints. Time stands still and he find himself in a creative cocoon with each deliberate stroke of color and flick of the wrist.  The artwork demands his focus, it forces him to navigate the uncomfortable, to share the emotions the image evokes.  As he strives to encapsulate those feelings, his enthusiasm never wavers. Once the painting is complete, he hopes people will see how beautiful and pristine nature is, that they will be inspired to stop and enjoy what is around them as he enjoyed it while he painted. 

Stephen Taylor’s Artist Statement: