Taylor Paige Prentiss is a multimedia artist, creating paintings, sculptures, murals, photographs, and more while working with various materials. Paige is a fourth-year student at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), studying Visual and Public Arts (VPA).
“A few years ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and I figured out, through my art, that I love using so many different media and textures because my brain needs constant stimulation,” Paige said. “Usually, I just have an idea, and whatever my brain associated with that idea, textures, colors, I’ll try to find the media that works best. But I really like working with what’s around me, repurposed material or found objects.”
A lot of Paige’s recent work is created using recycled materials, and she is an artist in residency at Last Chance Mercantile, a second-hand store in Marina.
“I’m recycling and repurposing a lot of their materials for some artwork,” she said. “I’m working until May 2, and then we’re gonna do an installation and exhibition, which is gonna be cool. It’s like a solo show. I’ve never done one before.”
Paige’s style takes inspiration from surrealism, art willing to make you uncomfortable and explore yourself. This is especially evident in her artist residency series and capstone project, centered around home and growth.
“It’s exploring home, but it’s also exploring the idea of metamorphosis and how we change. And I think change can be an uncomfortable, not really pleasant thing that people have to go through,” Paige said. “But we change mentally from those things, and I think that’s surreal. So surreal art is the best way to convey those not really tangible feelings.”
Growing up in Los Angeles, home is a feeling to Paige that reminds her of warm summer days in the city.
“I moved around a lot growing up, so home was always with different people as well, so with the piece, I wanted to break down the idea of a traditional home and explore home in people, places, feelings, or items,” she explained. “Whatever brings that person comfort.”
While Monterey may be smaller and quieter than Los Angeles, the art community is much more tight-knit.
“I feel like everyone knows everyone. The artists kind of all know each other in the area, and I think that’s really important,” Paige said. “I don’t think I got that in LA because it’s so large. But I find it really comforting, and everyone’s really supportive of each other and kind. Working in visual and public art has gotten me more comfortable with being part of communities, and I am really grateful for it. It’s all love.”
Paige’s work will be displayed at the capstone visual and public art show from May 16-20. Alongside other students’ work, this is supposedly the largest capstone show VPA has ever had.
