Hi, I’m so glad you’re here!
I’m Taylor Passine (sounds like panini). This online studio is the collection of my work as a painter and illustrator. I am inspired by what feels like magic. I find it in the sunlight shining through bright green leaves or the various shapes in vast landscapes and architecture.
I’ve used this word as a guide to stay true to what inspires me and brings me joy. There is something beautiful about art in the way that it can bring you closer to yourself and the world around you.
Which brings me to you. I hope that my small contribution makes you feel seen and maybe like you’ve found a new friend.
My story. I didn’t come into the world feeling called to do one thing. I was born and raised in Northwest Indiana and currently reside in Northern Virginia. My journey has been far from a linear one, a result of having so many interests. I grew up bridging both art and athletic worlds; I loved dance and cross country and being a violinist in my school’s orchestra. It wasn’t until preparing for my senior year of High School that an art class caught my attention. With only one art credit, I decided to quit seven years of orchestra and turned in my violin bow for a paint brush.
Although I’ve always been a creative person, when it came to choosing a career path I never considered dance or art as a viable option. Instead, I followed my love for the outdoors and interest in Environmental Science to study Conservation and Sustainability at George Mason University. I also managed to squeeze one oil painting class in my curriculum.
After graduating I traveled and worked for non-profit organizations like Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida and American Conservation Experience stationed in Flagstaff, Arizona. Although I was living one of my dreams to travel the Southwest, I craved stability that seasonal positions weren’t providing.
I later gave my best shot at a corporate job where I learned about business and how to be a leader. I also learned how I didn’t want to live my life, which was simultaneously a gift and a frustrating realization.
“Well, now what?” was the question on repeat in my head. My anxiety was at its high and it was the first time I experienced feeling painfully far away from myself. It didn’t happen over night, but after a whole lot of overthinking and many pints of ice cream to cope, I started asking myself, What do I really want? What brings me joy?
One of my best friends was in the process of moving out of her childhood home and asked if I would help paint her new room so that it felt warm and cozy. I wanted to do anything that would help make this transition less difficult and quickly started brainstorming ideas. We ultimately came to the decision to paint a mural. Being able to help create a happy space for her felt like I was making a small difference in her day to day. It also unexpectedly reignited a neglected passion of mine.
Soon after, I started taking local art classes like digital illustration and figure drawing to expand my practice. It was the first time in a long time that I felt really connected to myself. I was looking at the world through a new lens of curiosity and wonder that was intentional about noticing anything that felt like magic.
I later decided to travel to Ubud, Indonesia known as Bali’s cultural and artistic heart. I stayed for one month exploring and volunteering at Bumi Sehat, where I bumped into a group of women on an art retreat. I had never heard of such a thing but was eager to learn more. The retreat was lead by artist, Flora Bowley. It didn’t take long before I was fully enthralled by her intuitive painting process and the trajectory of my art was forever changed.
Although I had this grand plan to start painting murals when I arrived back home, I had no idea the world was about to change. It was my final week in Bali when the news broke about the Corona Virus. It was clear that painting murals for homes and businesses was off the table, so I turned to painting on paper, canvas and even the walls of my apartment! Although it was not what I envisioned, my creative practice expanded in ways I never imagined.
I know you can relate to all the twists and turns that is life. I never thought that one day I would make a website to share my art. Somehow, art has shown up throughout my life in various ways. When life is feeling extra crazy, creating is the one thing that brings me back to the present moment. It has been a mindfulness practice that translates into my work. I look at it as my little love letter to the world. I hope my collection of work moves you and inspires you to live in curiosity and wonder.
Lots of Love,
Taylor