Meet Allison C Taylor | Artist and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Allison C Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allison C, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from a little country town just outside of Sacramento, CA. I think my upbringing and background definitely impacted my love of art and creating things with my hands. My father was a woodworker and he would often have my sibling and I working right alongside him in his shop. When I showed interest in drawing and painting my parents gladly supported my interest and let me explore a multitude of materials. I remember one of the first art kits they ever bought me was a Bob Ross How-To-Painting set. Then when I started High School, I had the best teachers in Art and Ceramics. It was my two amazing High School Teachers that really impacted my path and who I am today. Through learning in a warm and encouraging environment I found not only a love for art but a love for education. Those two teachers set the foundation for me to also want to share my love of art and educate others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember. Using my hands to explore the world, to manipulate materials and experiment with what I can create has always been fascinating to me. I started drawing as a very young child which grew into painting and sculpting. It was in high school that I knew I was an artist, I knew I would be an artist as a grown person. I think this is what sets me apart from some creatives. I feel like I was born to create, to make art. I always wanted to learn and grow to be the best artist I could be and I never diverged from that plan. I had a few people over the years tell me that I would never be successful as “just” an artist, that the saying starving artist had a lot of truth behind it, that I needed a “back up plan”. I even had a professor in college that tried to discourage me from pursuing a career in the arts, I know right? Well, I never gave up and I never really had a back up plan. I knew if I worked hard and focused on what brought me the most joy then I would find success in anything I did. I have been creating and selling my work for over twenty years now and teaching my craft to others for almost just as long.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, my bestest friends and family have visited the area and we always start off at the beach! There are so many gorgeous beaches in the San Diego area. One of my favorites to enjoy regularly is the Del Mar dog beach. My dogs love to run, swim and play there but also my son loves exploring the tide pools and small caves. My most go to beach with a little something for everyone has to be in Oceanside -down by the pier. Check out the amazing views on the pier, walk the strand, surf or just relax. There are so many great places to eat & shop in that area, you can even check out the house used in the movie Top Gun. Other than the beach I love to go hiking and take loved ones to my favorite views and hidden gems within nature. My top place to explore right now is Elfin Forest just a little east of Encinitas.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My success can be traced back to every incredible teacher and professor that I have had the pleasure of learning from. Most importantly my parents deserve a shoutout. They always encouraged my interests and wild ideas and were along for the journey every step of the way.

Website: www.actceramics.com

Instagram: @act_ceramics

Image Credits
Featured photo: Allison C Taylor
All photos under additional photos were taken by: Sonya Yruel