Photo credit Kierston Gray
The World Equestrian Center is proud to welcome the extremely talented English artist, Sarah Lockwood-Taylor, and feature her equestrian inspired Linocuts (block print) in the Paddock Club.
Sarah has an impressive background in textile design, interior design, fine arts printmaking and murals and has exhibited around the globe including London, Derbyshire, Birmingham, Brighton and Nigeria. Her distinctive artwork has received prestigious awards and accolades and her work has consistently appeared on national television. Her unique approach to art is includes seeing possibilities and creating dramatic, arresting visual transformations.
The artwork on display at WEC will feature bespoke prints of beloved animals that are vivid, dramatic, and forever capture the unique bond that exists between animals and their human friends.
Early Inspirations and Textile Roots
Sarah began her career as a Textile Designer working with 26 garment designers in the early 1990’s. This is where she gained experience working on an array of styles including: designing for ladies, men, children, and interiors. Sarah designed for major household names in England including Marks & Spencer’s, Woolworths, BHS, Debenhams, and Etam. During this time, Sarah focused on creating placements, graphics, embroidery, labels, Jacquards, knits and weaves.
Sarah introduced a major shift in the UK’s interior design market by pioneering Indian textile and houseware designs which in turn made her internationally sought after for her high-end designs in the emerging boutique hotel segment around the world.
Answering the Call to Africa
Sarah relocated for her husband’s career to Nigeria for Proctor & Gamble and began to explore fine art. A self-starter, Sarah took the leap to organize her first solo exhibition and soon received national attention by selling her entire portfolio, with two years of commission work. In addition to showcasing her work, Sarah taught classes for international groups, all while working with charity groups to build wells and comfort and help lost children. “Living in Nigeria changed me as an artist because you learned the real value of life. You didn’t take anything for granted,” she added. The landscape and its people made it inspiring as an artist and pushed her to experiment more with color.
A Mother’s Touch
After her time in Africa, Sarah moved back to England and picked up where she left off by producing high-end designs for the boutique hotel market. She also helped establish a new interior design company, Blue Touch Trading, where she created styles for bedding and lighting, using exquisite material of silks and hand crafted embroideries.
The Eastern Influence
Sarah then spent 3 years living in Malaysia which provided the ideal environment to return to painting and commission work in addition to helping out as a stage set designer for several international schools. She continued to paint when she moved to Singapore. This allowed her to explore silk screening and Asian inspired painting. “Living in South East Asia gave me such inspiration, you can’t help but absorb the customs, deep history, diverse cultures and beautiful landscapes – this was reflected in my work.”
Finding an Artistic Home in America
By 2010, Sarah and her family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, which welcomed her global artist mindset and influence. Sarah stepped into bigger leadership roles becoming the chair for Procter and Gamble’s International Transferees group (comprising over one thousand members,) planning large events throughout the year, that were highly successful.
Capturing the Beauty of Animals in Print
In the last year, Sarah began exploring block printing or Linocuts. Influenced by her surroundings, family, lifestyle and love of animals have played a central role in her designs. These soulful prints capture the true meaning and deep connection of horses and pets – these animals are, in a word, irreplaceable, translated into art by Sarah, forever.
This will be Sarah’s first time exhibiting a collection of just Linocuts. She is already working on the next collection, which is due out in January 2018.
A Q&A with English Artist: Sarah Lockwood-Taylor
Sarah’s equestrian inspired Linocuts are on display in the newly opened Paddock Club.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the south of England, just north of Brighton.
Who were your artistic influences in your early years?
Growing up just outside of London, I was exposed to a great selection of galleries and artists ranging from Renaissance to Impressionism to Contemporary. Art is like music; your tastes can be so diverse.
You lived in Africa for a period of your life, how did that experience change you?
Living in Nigeria changed me forever. You learn the real value of life. You don’t take anything for granted; you have to embrace your life. As an artist, it became an explosion of color and inspiration.
How did living in the Far East influence your artwork?
It gave me access to a whole new world of customs, history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. In addition, I had the opportunity to witness the juxtaposition in their culture between deeply held traditions and technology that is emerging at break neck speed. It is always so exciting being submerged into different cultures. You can’t help but to absorb your surroundings. This is reflected in my work, it not only develops you as a person, but as an artist too.
You have been involved in planning large events, what do you like most about that?
I really enjoy starting with an empty canvas, and creating something that can be experienced by so many, and hopefully becomes a lasting memory. It is also very satisfying and rewarding to seeing the finished product.
You are displaying at the Paddock Club block prints/Linocuts, a different art form than what people traditionally see – what makes them special and unique?
Block printing has been around for many centuries. It takes a lot of patience. Unlike other work you work the opposite, in negative and mirror imaging. The exciting and scary part is you really don’t know how the piece is going to turn out until you have finished curving and printing it. Every single print is unique. Block printing has a very strong dramatic presence, yet has an elegance and softness to them as well.
How well do you know WEC?
We have been showing at WEC for the last 5 years. It has changed dramatically in the last two years and is a wonderful venue. They have thought of everything for showing all year round and have gone up and beyond, truly transforming the facility.
What do you hope to accomplish by presenting your work at WEC?
It will be my first time exhibiting a collection of just Linocuts. I am very excited to hear the feedback of other equestrians. We are already working on the next collection, which I hope to display in January. Roby & Jennie Roberts, Melissa McConahay, Candace FitzGerald and the WEC team have been amazing and a pleasure to work with.
Are you an equestrian yourself?
I am more of a barn Mum! Although I ride, I enjoy watching just as much.
Anything else you’d like to share about your work/background?
I am grateful to have had so many worldly experiences, which have enriched my life, my family, and my work. I am excited to be exhibiting again, with a new medium, and sharing it with the WEC family and equestrian community.
Learn more about Sarah and her artwork at: www.sarahlockwoodtaylor.com.