Taylor Craig - "JD Yellow"
2024, 15x7x14"
The "John Deere Yellow" Ceramic Teapot stands as a tribute to the cherished memories of my upbringing. Inspired by the rugged charm of my dad's machine shop, where paint cans coated in the iconic "John Deere Yellow" told stories of hard work and dedication, this teapot embodies the essence of our family legacy. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, every aspect of this teapot reflects the spirit of those simpler times. From the weathered screws to the underglaze transfer bearing the name "Wiens Farms," penned by my dad's hand, and the graphic image of us seated in a Model A my dad bought and restored from my Great Uncle Marvin, each element serves as a poignant reminder of the memories I shared with my dad in the tractors that were painted and restored, just like many others on our farm. With each use, I'm transported back to those cherished moments – the laughter, the camaraderie, and the feeling of riding alongside my dad in those meticulously restored tractors. The "John Deere Yellow" teapot isn't just a vessel; it's a connection to my past, a symbol of family, and a tribute to the enduring bonds that shape us. In its presence, I'm reminded of the values instilled in me by my dad – resilience, determination, and the importance of preserving our heritage. It's a reminder to savor the simple moments and to honor the legacy that has shaped me into who I am today.
2024, 15x7x14"
The "John Deere Yellow" Ceramic Teapot stands as a tribute to the cherished memories of my upbringing. Inspired by the rugged charm of my dad's machine shop, where paint cans coated in the iconic "John Deere Yellow" told stories of hard work and dedication, this teapot embodies the essence of our family legacy. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, every aspect of this teapot reflects the spirit of those simpler times. From the weathered screws to the underglaze transfer bearing the name "Wiens Farms," penned by my dad's hand, and the graphic image of us seated in a Model A my dad bought and restored from my Great Uncle Marvin, each element serves as a poignant reminder of the memories I shared with my dad in the tractors that were painted and restored, just like many others on our farm. With each use, I'm transported back to those cherished moments – the laughter, the camaraderie, and the feeling of riding alongside my dad in those meticulously restored tractors. The "John Deere Yellow" teapot isn't just a vessel; it's a connection to my past, a symbol of family, and a tribute to the enduring bonds that shape us. In its presence, I'm reminded of the values instilled in me by my dad – resilience, determination, and the importance of preserving our heritage. It's a reminder to savor the simple moments and to honor the legacy that has shaped me into who I am today.
Taylor Craig - "Fragments of Home"
2024, 5x5x9", 4x4x7", 3x3x6", Media: Earthenware / Terracotta, Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Image transfer / Decals / Screenprint
This collection of ceramic vessels embody the deep connections and enduring values of agricultural life. Each piece, uniquely crafted from various clay bodies, resonates with the spirit of the land, incorporating earthy textures and forms that evoke the essence of the farm landscape. Infused with hues of yellow and green, these vases reflect the life force of crops and the iconic imagery of farm equipment.
2024, 5x5x9", 4x4x7", 3x3x6", Media: Earthenware / Terracotta, Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Image transfer / Decals / Screenprint
This collection of ceramic vessels embody the deep connections and enduring values of agricultural life. Each piece, uniquely crafted from various clay bodies, resonates with the spirit of the land, incorporating earthy textures and forms that evoke the essence of the farm landscape. Infused with hues of yellow and green, these vases reflect the life force of crops and the iconic imagery of farm equipment.
Taylor Craig - "Land"
2023, 22" x 7" x 5", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Surface: Non-ceramic
2023, 22" x 7" x 5", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Surface: Non-ceramic
Taylor Craig - "Possibility"
2023, 23" x 14" x 5, Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Oxide, Relief
"Possibility" is an intriguing artwork that explores the evolving role of women in farming through a captivating and somewhat abstract presentation. Crafted from white stoneware, the ceramic female torso serves as a powerful symbol in this narrative. During the construction process, textured areas were intentionally applied, revealing distressed and pitted sections. These textures gradually fade towards the top left, where a symbolic clock is artfully painted. The clock embodies the essence of time, representing its multifaceted nature and significance. The surface of the torso is adorned with gesturally brushed green and yellow colors of slip, creating a dynamic and expressive visual impact. Realistically hand-painted corn stalks and wheat grace the right and bottom edge, representing the traditional elements of farming. At the bottom left, the word "possibility" is handwritten, yet crossed out, only to be boldly rewritten above it. This juxtaposition serves as a visual representation of the evolution of women in the farming industry. It highlights the journey from a time when it was unimaginable for a woman to be the primary farmer on a piece of land to the present, where that possibility has become a reality. "Possibility" is a profound reflection on the resilience and progress of women in farming. It sparks conversations about breaking societal barriers and embracing new opportunities. Through its artistic composition, this artwork celebrates the transformative power of perseverance and showcases the triumph of women in shaping the future of agriculture.
2023, 23" x 14" x 5, Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Oxide, Relief
"Possibility" is an intriguing artwork that explores the evolving role of women in farming through a captivating and somewhat abstract presentation. Crafted from white stoneware, the ceramic female torso serves as a powerful symbol in this narrative. During the construction process, textured areas were intentionally applied, revealing distressed and pitted sections. These textures gradually fade towards the top left, where a symbolic clock is artfully painted. The clock embodies the essence of time, representing its multifaceted nature and significance. The surface of the torso is adorned with gesturally brushed green and yellow colors of slip, creating a dynamic and expressive visual impact. Realistically hand-painted corn stalks and wheat grace the right and bottom edge, representing the traditional elements of farming. At the bottom left, the word "possibility" is handwritten, yet crossed out, only to be boldly rewritten above it. This juxtaposition serves as a visual representation of the evolution of women in the farming industry. It highlights the journey from a time when it was unimaginable for a woman to be the primary farmer on a piece of land to the present, where that possibility has become a reality. "Possibility" is a profound reflection on the resilience and progress of women in farming. It sparks conversations about breaking societal barriers and embracing new opportunities. Through its artistic composition, this artwork celebrates the transformative power of perseverance and showcases the triumph of women in shaping the future of agriculture.
![This body of work [the memories series] focuses on agriculture and surrounds my experiences growing up on a 3-generation family farm. I showcase the challenges, gratifications, and memories I've experienced within my life and hope to honor my family's legacy and others across the midwest. My chosen claybody is a dark brown stoneware. I wanted the bare claybody to be visible in areas and represent the earth and soil. While the overall rigid edges create an abstracted square shape or form resembling pieces of the earth. Parts and pieces come together to create an installation of a cumulation of "memories". Colors integrated into this body of work are a reflection of the colors I remember when looking back at my childhood which are still visible today. Yellow symbolizes a warm field flooded with winter wheat, a pile of corn or soybeans, aged and sun-stained garage doors, harvest, and John Deere. Yellow resembles the sunshine, happiness and optimism, which are feelings that are overwhelmed within the close quarters of my family. Green is an obvious color in the farming industry resembling growth, life, healthy crops, fertility, energy, and John Deere. Green is the color of seed treatment we use, grass-stained knees, tree frogs, spring, mowing, waterways, and John Deere. This tile was created as a symbol of my Grandpa. He always drove a red truck. The color red has more of a meaning to me than just the ordinary color psychology. When I see a red truck, it will always remind me of my grandpa. My dad now drives a red truck in honor of him.](https://i0.wp.com/artaxis.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6022-scaled.jpeg?w=420&h=561&ssl=1 "Grandpa's Red Truck")
Taylor Craig - "Grandpa's Red Truck"
2023, 10.5" x 10.5" x 1.5", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Image transfer / Decals / Screenprint, Oxide, Relief
This body of work [the memories series] focuses on agriculture and surrounds my experiences growing up on a 3-generation family farm. I showcase the challenges, gratifications, and memories I've experienced within my life and hope to honor my family's legacy and others across the midwest. My chosen claybody is a dark brown stoneware. I wanted the bare claybody to be visible in areas and represent the earth and soil. While the overall rigid edges create an abstracted square shape or form resembling pieces of the earth. Parts and pieces come together to create an installation of a cumulation of "memories". Colors integrated into this body of work are a reflection of the colors I remember when looking back at my childhood which are still visible today. Yellow symbolizes a warm field flooded with winter wheat, a pile of corn or soybeans, aged and sun-stained garage doors, harvest, and John Deere. Yellow resembles the sunshine, happiness and optimism, which are feelings that are overwhelmed within the close quarters of my family. Green is an obvious color in the farming industry resembling growth, life, healthy crops, fertility, energy, and John Deere. Green is the color of seed treatment we use, grass-stained knees, tree frogs, spring, mowing, waterways, and John Deere. This tile was created as a symbol of my Grandpa. He always drove a red truck. The color red has more of a meaning to me than just the ordinary color psychology. When I see a red truck, it will always remind me of my grandpa. My dad now drives a red truck in honor of him.
2023, 10.5" x 10.5" x 1.5", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Image transfer / Decals / Screenprint, Oxide, Relief
This body of work [the memories series] focuses on agriculture and surrounds my experiences growing up on a 3-generation family farm. I showcase the challenges, gratifications, and memories I've experienced within my life and hope to honor my family's legacy and others across the midwest. My chosen claybody is a dark brown stoneware. I wanted the bare claybody to be visible in areas and represent the earth and soil. While the overall rigid edges create an abstracted square shape or form resembling pieces of the earth. Parts and pieces come together to create an installation of a cumulation of "memories". Colors integrated into this body of work are a reflection of the colors I remember when looking back at my childhood which are still visible today. Yellow symbolizes a warm field flooded with winter wheat, a pile of corn or soybeans, aged and sun-stained garage doors, harvest, and John Deere. Yellow resembles the sunshine, happiness and optimism, which are feelings that are overwhelmed within the close quarters of my family. Green is an obvious color in the farming industry resembling growth, life, healthy crops, fertility, energy, and John Deere. Green is the color of seed treatment we use, grass-stained knees, tree frogs, spring, mowing, waterways, and John Deere. This tile was created as a symbol of my Grandpa. He always drove a red truck. The color red has more of a meaning to me than just the ordinary color psychology. When I see a red truck, it will always remind me of my grandpa. My dad now drives a red truck in honor of him.
Taylor Craig - "Fortitude"
2023, 12" x 9" x 5", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Image transfer / Decals / Screenprint, Oxide, Relief
Colored slips, stains, and underglaze on stoneware
2023, 12" x 9" x 5", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Image transfer / Decals / Screenprint, Oxide, Relief
Colored slips, stains, and underglaze on stoneware
Taylor Craig - "Vision"
2023, 12.5" x 7" x 8", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Image transfer / Decals / Screenprint, Oxide
2023, 12.5" x 7" x 8", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Image transfer / Decals / Screenprint, Oxide
Taylor Craig - "Agriculture"
2023, 10.5" x 10.5" x 1.5", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Image transfer / Decals / Screenprint, Oxide, Relief
This body of work focuses on agriculture and surrounds my experiences growing up on a 3-generation family farm. I showcase the challenges, gratifications, and memories I've experienced within my life and honor my family's legacy and others across the midwest. My chosen claybody is a dark brown stoneware. The bare claybody is visible in areas and represent the earth and soil. While the overall rigid edges create an abstracted square shape or form resembling pieces of the earth parts and pieces come together to create an installation of a cumulation of "memories". Colors integrated into this body of work are a reflection of the colors I remember when looking back at my childhood which are still visible today. To me, yellow symbolizes a warm field flooded with winter wheat, a pile of corn or soybeans, aged and sun-stained garage doors, harvest, and John Deere. Yellow resembles the sunshine, happiness and optimism, which are feelings that are overwhelmed within the close quarters of my family. Green is an obvious color in the farming industry resembling growth, life, healthy crops, fertility, energy, and John Deere. Green is the color of seed treatment we use, grass-stained knees, tree frogs, spring, mowing, waterways, and John Deere. "Agriculture" was inspired by a newspaper article printed in July of 1969. This article shows my grandpa starting off his career as a one-man farmer. He was such an influence to me growing up and role model to my father and brother. Some text that can be found on the tile: "Grandpa was my biggest fan. He supported and loved his family with all his heart. He started at the bottom, but had a dream, he wanted to farm. He taught his children and grandchildren the ropes of the career, while still providing."
2023, 10.5" x 10.5" x 1.5", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Image transfer / Decals / Screenprint, Oxide, Relief
This body of work focuses on agriculture and surrounds my experiences growing up on a 3-generation family farm. I showcase the challenges, gratifications, and memories I've experienced within my life and honor my family's legacy and others across the midwest. My chosen claybody is a dark brown stoneware. The bare claybody is visible in areas and represent the earth and soil. While the overall rigid edges create an abstracted square shape or form resembling pieces of the earth parts and pieces come together to create an installation of a cumulation of "memories". Colors integrated into this body of work are a reflection of the colors I remember when looking back at my childhood which are still visible today. To me, yellow symbolizes a warm field flooded with winter wheat, a pile of corn or soybeans, aged and sun-stained garage doors, harvest, and John Deere. Yellow resembles the sunshine, happiness and optimism, which are feelings that are overwhelmed within the close quarters of my family. Green is an obvious color in the farming industry resembling growth, life, healthy crops, fertility, energy, and John Deere. Green is the color of seed treatment we use, grass-stained knees, tree frogs, spring, mowing, waterways, and John Deere. "Agriculture" was inspired by a newspaper article printed in July of 1969. This article shows my grandpa starting off his career as a one-man farmer. He was such an influence to me growing up and role model to my father and brother. Some text that can be found on the tile: "Grandpa was my biggest fan. He supported and loved his family with all his heart. He started at the bottom, but had a dream, he wanted to farm. He taught his children and grandchildren the ropes of the career, while still providing."
Taylor Craig - "Drought"
2023, 10" x 6" x 8", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Oxide, Pattern
"Drought" stands as a powerful tribute to the unwavering spirit of our farmers, who confront challenging circumstances like the unpredictable climate. Carved from white stoneware, this piece portrays the resilience of a young farmer, wearing a rustic hat that exudes a touch of rural authenticity. Using warm-colored underglazes, the artwork depicts the haunting image of the Midwest drought map, skillfully spanning the entire surface. Shades ranging from deep red to pristine white tell a compelling narrative of the harsh realities faced by our agricultural communities. The technique adds depth to the piece as stains were applied and gently wiped away, revealing a striking contrast and a weathered appearance, symbolizing the grit and determination of our farmers amidst adversity. "Drought" serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges our farmers endure, including uncertain financial situations when weather conditions are beyond their control.
2023, 10" x 6" x 8", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Oxide, Pattern
"Drought" stands as a powerful tribute to the unwavering spirit of our farmers, who confront challenging circumstances like the unpredictable climate. Carved from white stoneware, this piece portrays the resilience of a young farmer, wearing a rustic hat that exudes a touch of rural authenticity. Using warm-colored underglazes, the artwork depicts the haunting image of the Midwest drought map, skillfully spanning the entire surface. Shades ranging from deep red to pristine white tell a compelling narrative of the harsh realities faced by our agricultural communities. The technique adds depth to the piece as stains were applied and gently wiped away, revealing a striking contrast and a weathered appearance, symbolizing the grit and determination of our farmers amidst adversity. "Drought" serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges our farmers endure, including uncertain financial situations when weather conditions are beyond their control.
Taylor Craig - "Hay Shed"
2023, 17" x 10" x 9", Media: Mixed Media, Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Image transfer / Decals / Screenprint, Oxide
2023, 17" x 10" x 9", Media: Mixed Media, Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Engobe / Slip / Underglaze, Image transfer / Decals / Screenprint, Oxide
Artist Statement
You cannot drive through a midwestern state without encountering the views of silo’s, tractors, barns, livestock, and an abundance of grain fields. Most people overlook these establishments and don’t understand the necessary demands that farmers encounter daily to provide for their communities and families. Being part of a 3-generation farm has many challenges within the business, along with factors that we have no control over: climate, inflation and taxes to name a few. Not only do I wish to express the many challenges that family farms endure, but I want to showcase the parts that people don’t see: the feeling of being a part of one. There is no true word or words that can describe the feeling of owning or being a part of a family farm. The feelings are deep, meaningful, and rooted through tradition.
Bio
Taylor was raised on a family farm in Beatrice, Nebraska where she was greatly influenced in the arts through her high school art teacher. To fulfill her dream in becoming an art teacher she graduated Doane University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree with a Graphic Design Minor in the spring of 2019. Immediately, she continued her education with the Doane Graduate program and received her teaching endorsement in Art. In the fall of 2020 she began teaching 6-12 Art at Raymond Central and completed her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction through the Doane Graduate Program. In the spring of 2022 she was accepted into the MFA program at Fort Hays State University where she will focus in ceramics and graduate in the spring of 2026.