Get to Know the Artist - 20 Questions Style

As I am continuing to grow as an artist, I am trying to discover new ways to connect with those following along in my creative journey. Thus, I have created a brand new website that tells a bit more about myself and showcases some of my work. My new site is also going to include a blog - which is completely out of my comfort zone. But, let's give it a shot anyways!

1. What is your full name?

My name is Sidney Taylor. However, for my artist name, I include my maiden name, Smith.

2. Where are you from?

I am originally from a small town in Southern Illinois called Goreville, but now call Oklahoma home. Throughout my life, I have lived in a total of 6 different states: Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri, Michigan, Texas, and Oklahoma.

3. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

There were so many things that I wanted to be when I grew up. It typically either involved doing something creative or helping animals.

4. Where did you go to college?

Believe it or not, I mainly went to college so I could fulfill my dreams of playing basketball at the collegiate level. I achieved those Division 1 dreams and got a scholarship to play at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I was there until the beginning of my junior season, and decided life was pulling me other directions. I ended up down in Texas at Angelo State University. Unfortunately, my playing days were cut short due to a foot injury that has involved 3 surgeries. I ended up graduating with a Fine Arts degree and an emphasis on graphic design.

5. How would you describe your family?

I come from a pretty conservative home that really laid the foundation for who I am - not only as an entrepeneur, but as a person. From work ethic to morals, my two younger brothers and I had great role models to instill those values in us. My family also moved around a lot, so us five became pretty close-knit in the many times of being the new family in town.

6. Do you come from a family of creatives?

I believe I get a lot of my artisitc ability from my dad. He is one of those guys who could literally build anything and everything without even sketching it out on paper first. It's pretty amazing. When I was young, he had his own construction business building houses. I remember spending lots of days out at some of his construction sites and I used to want to be the interior designer for the houses he would build.

FUN FACT: In the town where we are from (Goreville, IL), my dad built a subdivision and it is actually called Sidney Estates. There is a Sidney Ln and then later when my brothers were born, he added on to it and there's Eli Ave and Colby Way.

7. Where did you meet your husband?

On good ole' Facebook! It's not weird, I promise. So, we had known of each other for years. He grew up with my cousin and they played on like every baseball team together from kindergarten to college. He messaged me out of the blue one day a few years ago and we waited a few months to actually meet for the first time in-person. At the time, we lived 8 hours apart, so we met halfway in Branson for a fun weekend trip. We did lots of traveling to see each other over the course of two years!

8. Do you have any pets?

Oh, yes! I am a huge animal lover. Together, my husband and I have 5 dogs, 3 cats, and a decent-sized flock of chickens. My husband came with one dog, so I'll let you decide who the problem is! My four dogs and cats are all rescues, either from the shelter or found as strays. I'm a huge believer in "adopt don't shop."

9. Do you have a favorite place to eat?

I don't know if I have a favorite restaurant, but I will say I am always down for some chips and queso.

10. What's your favorite music genre?

Classic Rock is probably what I listen to the most. I also like Indie/Alternative and Country.

11. What is your favorite color?

I love green - all the shades.

12. Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I am more of a morning person, but don't talk to me until I've had some coffee. Honestly, around 8:30 to 9 o'clock at night, I'm done for the day and you'll find me in bed.

13. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

Going to Yellowstone National Park is a huge bucket list item of mine!

14. Who is your favorite artist?

Monet has always been a huge inspiration of mine and I've always been drawn to his water lily paintings. I guess it's because they remind me of being little and I feel a sense of connection with them. I was always around a pond or creek growing up. I was either fishing, catching frogs, or just out looking for critters. I can resonate with the peace and comfort he felt when he was out painting at his lily pond.

15. Do you have any other hobbies besides art?

In the last couple years, I have really become interested in gardening. I grow some veggies, mostly so I can make salsa. But, I really love growing flowers. One day, I would love to have a little roadside flower stand to sell little flower arrangements from my own garden.

I also love to fish! I'm no professional, but I do find it so much fun. I would have to say pond fishing for catfish is my favorite.

16. How long have you been doing art full-time?

I have been doing my art full-time for about a year now. Before I started focusing on my creative career, I was an elementary art teacher for three years. It was something that I really enjoyed, but also felt exhausted with. I poured SO MUCH of my energy into my classroom and my students, that there was really nothing left in the tank for me personally. Although I have greatly enjoyed putting my own art first, there are days I miss being in the classroom. So, who knows? I may end up teaching again one day.

17. What kind of art do you create?

For the most part, I paint colorful landscape artworks. I am a sucker for a good sunset, so the majority of my landscapes are of a sunset sky. Currently, I'm working on a series of paintings of each of the National Parks. I also paint pet portraits. These can be on paper or on wood slice ornaments. This summer, I started working with pressed flowers to create unique, handmade earrings. They have been so fun to make!

18. Why are you creating a series of paintings of the National Parks?

I decided to create my National Park series as a way to challenge myself as an artist. Honestly, I think that is the competitive nature in me from being an athlete. Because I have announced I am doing this series and have shared what paintings I have completed, I have to allow myself to be disciplined to finish the task I started.

19. What are some of your goals as an artist?

A hope of mine for my art is that it resonates with some people enough that they want to bring it into their homes because they find joy or comfort in what I have created. One day, I would love to open a little shop where I can sell my art and offer other local artists and students the chance to showcase their work as well. I'd also love to be able to have a room set aside in this shop where I can offer art classes or even paint parties.

20. What is a project you are most proud of?

Last summer, I painted a 12' by 25' mural outside of the school that I used to work for. I had never painted a mural before and especially nothing of that size. It was a huge challenge for me that I just wanted to absolutely knock out of the park. I belive I accomplished that. It is something I am super proud of and I truly hope it is cherished for years to come.