The art world is never too old to enter, and Vivian Taylor is a living testament to this. At the age of 66, this Derby artist has embarked on a new journey, returning to her first love, art, after a wide-ranging career in administration. With her first exhibition, Common Grounds, set to launch at the Artcore Gallery, Vivian is ready to showcase her semi-abstract acrylic paintings, which reflect her eclectic inspirations and unique style. Vivian’s journey back to art began when she joined the Seasons Art classes at Pride Park, where she honed her painting techniques and styles. She was previously an administrator, working in the textile industry, charity sector, and later with Derby City Council in Children’s Services. However, it was art that always lingered in the background, and Vivian’s passion for it never truly faded. “I’ve always loved drawing, painting, and music,” says Vivian. “I wanted to go to art college, but my mum thought art was ‘Mickey Mouse’, with no reliable income. My art teacher, the wonderful Mr Harahan at Spondon School, said I could have got straight on to the art course on the strength of my coursework but my parents put their foot down and said ‘men will always want secretaries’, so, frustratingly, they encouraged me down the admin/office route as a career.”
Despite her long and fulfilling career in administration, Vivian felt an insatiable urge to reawaken her artistic muscle. She discovered that she had the time and freedom to pursue her creative interests once again, and she was determined to make the most of it. “I joined up for classes with Seasons Art at Pride Park and learned lots of painting techniques and styles. I’m so happy now to have the time to be creative and enjoy making some quirky art, travel loads and go to lots of gigs.”
Vivian’s artistic style is deeply rooted in her eclectic inspirations, which include pop culture, music, and architecture. She is also drawn to her hometown of Derby, as well as other cities and countries that have inspired her travels across Europe. Her semi-abstract acrylic paintings are a reflection of her experimental and intuitive approach to art. In addition to her paintings, Vivian also works with collage and water colours, often incorporating unconventional tools like masking fluid, tape, old credit cards, and sponges to add depth and texture to her work. Her passion for art and music came together recently when local musician Phil Matthews commissioned her to design the sleeve for his band’s second album. “Phil saw my painting of The Quad on Facebook in September and asked if I would like to design the cover for his band’s second album,” says Vivian. “I jumped at the chance! I’ve always loved pop and rock music and I used to love the artwork on the iconic fold-out album covers.”
Vivian’s art journey has also led her to collaborate with other artists and musicians, making the upcoming exhibition at the Artcore Gallery a truly special event. The exhibition, Common Grounds, will feature seven other artists, each with their own unique style and approach to art.
- Vivian Taylor
- Florence Mulvey
- Christine Thomas
- Neil Rowley
- Chris Lewis-Jones
- Fi Marks
- Chike Felix Uzoka
- Tim Baker
The exhibition will run from April 26 to May 4, with a launch event on Friday, 5-7 pm. The launch event is free, and tickets can be obtained through eventbrite.co.uk.
| Artist | Style | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Vivian Taylor | Semi-abstract acrylic | Acrylic |
| Florence Mulvey | Abstract expressionism | Oil on canvas |
| Christine Thomas | Pop art | Printmaking |
| Neil Rowley | Realism | Watercolour |
| Chris Lewis-Jones | Abstract sculpture | Mixed media |
| Fi Marks | Street art | Stencils and spray paint |
| Chike Felix Uzoka | Surrealism | Painting |
| Tim Baker | Pop art | Printmaking |
Vivian’s art has not gone unnoticed, and her work can be seen in various locations throughout the city. Her painting of The Quad, which was inspired by the iconic music venue, was even displayed at the Bier Huis Grand Café in St Ives, Cornwall.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have found a new passion in life, and I’m excited to share it with the community. Artcore has given me the opportunity to express myself freely, and I’m grateful for that.”
As Vivian embarks on this new chapter in her artistic journey, she is accompanied by seven other talented artists, each with their own unique style and approach to art. The upcoming exhibition at the Artcore Gallery promises to be a spectacular event, showcasing the diverse and creative talents of these artists. In the lead-up to the exhibition, Vivian reflects on the significance of her art and the impact it can have on people’s lives. “Art has the power to bring people together, to inspire and to uplift. It’s a way to express ourselves, to communicate our thoughts and emotions, and to connect with others. I’m so grateful to be a part of this community, and I’m excited to see how my art can make a difference in people’s lives.”
The exhibition, Common Grounds, will run from April 26 to May 4, and the launch event on Friday, 5-7 pm, is free to attend. Tickets can be obtained through eventbrite.co.uk.