MEET THE ARTISTS:
Audrey Taylor
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP:
I grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN SET AND PROP DESIGN:
I started my career as a window dresser. I was really fascinated with Simon Doonan and his window displays at Maxfield’s and Barney’s. He made little worlds and told stories. They were really beautiful. So I ended up doing windows at Sak’s Fifth Avenue followed with a semi-long career in the display world. Set and prop design seemed natural to follow. I already did photoshoots not understanding the photo industry. So I just changed my venue and fell in love!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SET OR PIECE THAT YOU’VE CREATED:
Honestly, my favorite one was one I did in school. We made displays based on your favorite movie and at the time I was really into One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. I made this set with small white vinyl padded walls surrounding a red plexi cross. Behind the red plexi was a black and white photo of Jack Nicholson’s face screaming. It was pretty bananas but I will always love that one.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FOR YOUR SET AND PROP STYLE?
Everywhere. I look at EVERYTHING. My mind is a constant rolodex of references. I focus on the structures that make our little worlds. Architecture, people, lighting, landscapes, art, music etc. I try to focus on that but I do have photo references of artists that are making incredible work as well!
IF YOU WEREN'T AN ARTIST WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING INSTEAD:
I would probably go into some type of therapy. I am fascinated with the brain and how people choose to communicate. Often people come to me to ask advice and I really love taking the time to help people.
WHAT SONG GETS STUCK IN YOUR HEAD MOST OFTEN:
God bless. I honestly get “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake stuck in my head ALL THE TIME. For years. I have nooooo idea why. Please take it away from me.
IF YOU COULD ONLY EAT ONE FOOD FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE:
Sushi. Straight up. Anyone who knows me could tell you that.
WHAT IS THE ONE ITEM OF CLOTHING THAT YOU WEAR MOST OFTEN:
I have a ripped-up Boston (the band) baseball tee that I wear at least every other day. I don’t even really like Boston. I just like the shirt! I wish I could tell you something a bit more exciting but nope. You get the Boston shirt.
WHAT WOULD THE TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY BE:
Naked and Afraid.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING YOU'VE EVER DONE:
Everything. Everything I have ever done is hard. Life is tough and pursuing creative endeavors within that is very difficult.
WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED SO HARD IT HURT:
Phew. I laugh a lot. I actually just laughed so hard answering the autobiography question to be quite honest.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT:
I can sing but I do not make that a secret. Also, if I had a talent I would put that right on the table for everyone to see!
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DANCE MOVE:
Twerking. I love a good old classic twerk. It is a dangerous game that I love to play.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO UNWIND AFTER A BUSY DAY:
As much as I would like to tell you something like “snuggle up to a good book” it would not be true. I am a total social person. I like to go to shows, art shows, have friends over and make them food. Even after a busy day, I find connecting with my community within all of that gives me pure joy.
