Taylor Clough: RUMINATION
2021 Artist-in-Residence in Philipsburg, MT
“Mary's dog named Seymour”
How was your experience as an Open AIR Artist-in-Residence?
My time in Philipsburg as an artist-in-residence was incredible. Not only because I connected with both kids and adults through teaching weekly art classes in the Philipsburg library, but also because of the deeper experiences there that affected myself as an artist and person. I was immersed in the community and comradely from the get-go—I stayed in a house graciously provided by the Jenners, a creative and amazing local couple very involved with the Philipsburg Arts Fund and town. My art studio was a large classroom in the 181 year old historic elementary school—empty, quiet and warm for the summer. I spent my days creating art, teaching art, getting close to members of the community, looking, and seeing.
“Flint Creek parade”
What was your research process during this time?
When I had free time, my literal research often occurred in the School’s library down the hallway from my classroom-studio (I’d sit in a kid’s chair with a mountain of books besides me). I read as many books as I could about the complicated and diverse local/regional histories, the land, mining, politics, animals, struggles, successes. But it was the actual immersive experience of the everyday in Philipsburg that so greatly affected and informed my work. Here’s a few things that inspired me the most: The nuanced oral history from locals (sometimes 4th generation residents!), unique lives, the inter-weaving of different experiences. The green and yellow fields surrounding the town, and the black cows that dotted them. The historic theater; grand and beautiful, with Edgar Paxson backdrops hanging quietly on stage (and a supposed ghost in the basement.) Attending the art council meetings to listen to local plans and on goings. The strong and badass women who attended my weekly adult art class. (First it was a few, then the whole room was filled.) The community softball games. The crowd at the local bar. Laughter and somberness, small but powerful moments. People’s livelihoods, people’s loves. I was inspired by the town’s honesty about contending with the past and present, something my own artwork—and self—untangles. I was inspired by the kindness, strength, grittiness, integrity, and creativity of Philipsburg most of all.
“The Cenex of West Broadway Street”
“Down the Street from Friday Night Pizza”
What are you up to now (post Open AIR)?
After finishing my Philipsburg residency in August 2021, I returned to living in Missoula. I taught the Teen Art Program at the Missoula Art Museum throughout the fall and winter of 2021. I adopted another cat. I worked on numerous large scale mixed-media works, paintings and drawings. I showed my work at the Historic Clark Chateau in Butte over the winter. I currently teach art full time at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo and live in Polson, MT right on the lake.
“Summer on Duffy Street“
How would you describe your work?
I create artworks that merge together the representational and abstract, the real and imagined. My subject matter consists of animals, people, environment and the ‘intersections’ where these meet…Sometimes I’m interested in the flurried clash and collaging of many different visuals/symbols. Other times I prefer to depict quieter, more literal everyday moments. My artwork hints at feelings of rumination, redemption, humor, sorrow, and everything in between. I enjoy contradictions, truths, symbols with multiple personal and cultural meanings, and visual spaces where the viewer can apply their own interpretations. After all, we are all just attempting to make sense of ourselves, each other and the world around us.
“Elementary School Gym Ghosts”
“La Pieta , Farmers”
See more of Taylor’s work at www.taylorclough.crevado.com