“My art is my diary — I create to release, to understand. Most often I don’t know what I’m feeling until after I’ve created it, when I can take a step back and look at it as an outsider might. There is a lot of pain expressed from all of the meanness I’ve witnessed and experienced in the world. Although my paintings usually depict visions of me from my subconscious, others are of real people; my way of forcing their evil to be separate from me. And, a rare few, are observations and critiques about our modern society. Art has always been a magnet to me, a place of peace and solitude where I could go whenever I needed. As I learn and understand more about myself through my work, all I hope is that they can do the same for others.”
Taylor West is a self-taught painter and photographer based in California. The paintings and photographs that are products of West’s work are deeply connected to the underbelly of the human psyche; relating our perception of ourselves to our perception of the world through a gentle sadness, stark contrast, and unusual figures. A closer look at the works will reveal the story of West’s life — her afflictions, desires, and self-image. She is inspired by the cyclical patterns of nature, surrealism, internal suffering, anxieties, and interpersonal relationships. West has participated in two group shows throughout California and has multiple paintings currently on exhibit at Gallery 1000 in Carmel, where she is the sole American artist shown.
Shows
2026, Monochrome, Las Laguna Art Gallery, Laguna Beach CA
2025, On Exhibit, Gallery 1000, Carmel CA
2025, Art Noir, The Studio Door, San Diego CA
2022, Group Show, HeRExhbits, Pacific Grove CA