Taylar Sanders needed a way to channel her inner voice. She did so by picking up the brush and letting the canvas speak to her.
Sanders, 32, worked a handful of jobs that she found unfulfilling during her vicenarian years. She always would draw since she was a youngster but never took her gift seriously.
Sanders has an interest in painting people because she is fascinated by how all people have a unique story. “I love working to get their essence to come through the painting,” she said.
She also loves painting nature and peaceful images as she wants to uplift, empower and encourage others. You can gaze at her art on canvases sizes 30” x 40” and up.
Sanders earned an associate’s degree at Longview Community College, and was employed as a supply specialist in the Army National Guard.
Her artwork has been displayed at the El Scari Harvey Gallery, Iwerx, and was displayed at the local Kendra Scott store at Country Club Plaza through the jeweler’s “Kendra Gives Back” program to host in-store events for important community causes. She was also recently selected for the 2023 Parades of Hearts Kansas City.
Sanders dedicates her time and passion to art in her studio at Shop Local KC, located at 3630 Main St.
Hello, Taylar, thank you for sharing your journey with us. What event in your life made you decide that you wanted to be an artist?
“I was 26 and I was very stressed out. I was working two stressful jobs, had a stressful living arrangement, a stressful relationship, and I was having health issues from that stress. Basically, I felt like I was going through the emotions and I was losing my voice in the world. I just had a moment where I was so busy, all of my time was filled up but I wasn’t doing anything I enjoyed, so I needed an outlet. I started searching for that outlet and it led me to painting.”
Who or what motivates You?
“I want to help people get in tune with their emotions. I have always been that super sensitive person, so I want to help people understand, express, and feel their emotions when they look at art. I want to help people not be desensitized is what I’m trying to do.”
Why is art important to you?
“It’s important to me to help people and help with their emotions and expression. I realize how important it is that you don’t lose your voice in this world. You get so caught up in what everyone tells you to do that you’re not thinking about what you enjoy doing or what’s important to you.”
Do you have any goals you would like to achieve?
“I would like to do more small murals and projects that challenge me and take me out of my comfort zone.”
Who are some of your favorite artists?
“Warren Harvey, Kehinde Wiley and Harmonia Rosales.”
What tips would you like to give for aspiring artists?
“Get started – there’s no wrong way to do it. Don’t compare yourself and know that your art is one of one. No one can do what you are doing, and you can’t do what they’re doing. You should just be trying to get better from your last painting and don’t be afraid to share your work.”
Taylar Sanders social media:
Facebook: taylar.sanders.3 / Instagram: taylarstake