Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Nicole.
Taylor, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am inspired by individuals who take pain and make gold out of it. I honor those who are so actively engaged in the present, that during the most heartbreaking moments they discover new power. I believe that it is through devastation that our innocence is restored, and even if the fairytale we always dreamed of doesn’t exist, there is a world of mystery awaiting somewhere still.
My life has been a series of unlearning, becoming, and rebirth. Poetry has remained with me still. My faith remains with me still. The desire to encourage women that their hearts are filled with magic and butterflies and soft songs and divinity will always be a part of my story.
I was a spoken word artist, turned pageant queen, then part-time model and full-time student. Now I am simply a woman, who is figuring out a life where monsters and dragons aren’t real. Exploring a place where angels and demons don’t get along. I am creating a space for myself where I can belong, and cherishing every step along the way.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Writing is the only thing I don’t have to think twice about. I don’t have to consider if what I’m doing is right or wrong, because I am the storyteller. Whenever I feel an emotion that seems to be overwhelming, I simply write my way through the feeling.
“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” -Ernest Hemingway
Why?
Minority kids growing up in poverty have an additional chamber of experiences others may not have. I am very grateful for the values that my childhood instilled in my life. I feel obligated to give young girls growing up like I did something to hope for. I want to inspire her to believe that she is the love she is desperately searching for. I’ve watched black women give the best parts of themselves away, without keeping some of their essence for themselves. I want to help change that narrative and help little black girls see the beauty in themselves it took me my entire life to find.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
I am often surrounded by people while still feeling more alone than ever. My best advice would be to take time to understand who you are and who you are becoming so that you won’t feel pressured to compromise yourself in the presence of others. It’s also important to note that you don’t have to force a connection. If you don’t feel good about a scene or situation, don’t automatically assume something is wrong with you. The right people will come, the right ones will stay, and the people who are supposed to will just get it.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I typically post short poems on Instagram, but recently I’ve been saving my favorite pieces for a new project that I’m working on. Thank you to anyone who wants to support me or my story, and you can stay updated by following me on Instagram @taylorofeden.
Contact Info:
- Email: taylorofeden@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorofeden/?hl=en
Image Credit:
@melbelderjr on Instagram (headshot with Afro)
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