At the Center of Your Being
- Title
- At the Center of Your Being
- Creator
- Taylor Berman
Taylor Berman is an artist and educator based in St. Croix valley of Wisconsin. From a young age he has been passionate about working with his hands and immersing himself in the outdoors. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, majoring in printmaking and minoring in painting. His artistic practice spans both aesthetic and functional forms, including printmaking, mural painting, knife making and fly tying. His creations are deeply influenced by his love for nature, often reflecting animals, plants, and geological features he encounters while exploring diverse landscapes. - Date
- Date of Creation: 8/23/2022
Date of Documentation: 11/4/2024 - Description
Composition: The composition of the mural is both intricate and balanced, despite it’s abstract nature. Berman arranges the elements of the mural in a way that suggests both a center and an outward flow, radiating from the center. The central focus draws the viewers eye initially, with surrounding shapes and patterns providing symmetry across the mural.
Color: Berman uses a bright palate with vibrant blues, greens and purples balanced with softer tones and occasionally warm accents. The use of this high-contrast combination gives the mural a sense of vibrancy and depth. The bold colors seem to radiate outward, creating a meditative atmosphere.
Line: The lines play a crucial role in the composition with a mix of bold, sweeping curves and delicate fine lines interwoven. The variety of thickness in the lines creates a visual interest and complexity, drawing the viewer to the sense of movement and flow.
Texture: While the mural is two-dimensional, the use of layered patterns and color variations creates an implied texture that is almost connected to touch. The overlapping colors and shapes suggest different textures, from smooth and flowing areas to rougher more densely packed patterns. This variation in visual textures invites the viewer to feel as if they are touching or moving through the different layers of the piece.
Space: The use of dynamic, with a skilled blend of foreground, middle ground and background provides a strong sense of depth. The idea of central throughout the mural acts as a foreground, capturing attention immediately. The surrounding elements recede into the middle and background, creating a layered effect that feels three-dimensional. This structured use of space enables viewers to interpret the mural as a journey into one’s inner self.
- Subject
The mural “At the Center of Your Being” by Taylor Berman represents the human journey of self-discovery and purpose. The bear symbolizes inner strength and self-reflection. Bears are often seen as symbols of power and determination in various cultures. In the mural the bear can be interpreted as representing the human need to connect with one’s inner power when facing challenges. In art fish often symbolize flow, adaptability and connection to the world around us. In the mural the fish is a representation of the influence of external forces such as challenges, opportunities and relationships shaping a persons path through life. Fish can move through water effortlessly, symbolizing the need to adapt and flow with the world around us. The murals composition places the entire scene within the human head, showing the idea that everything humans experience is filtered through our own understanding and consciousness. With the head acting as a frame this reminds us that we are influenced by external forces, and the fish and the bear are how we internalize and respond to these forces shaping our true self. The mural conveys the message of persistence and believing in ones self while holding on to the ups and downs that are built in to life. With the mural being part of the Chromazone’s initiatives, it enriches the community’s artistic landscape and serves as a visual metaphor for personal growth and interconnectedness.
- Rights
- Artist: Taylor Berman
Researcher: Aran Daniels - Source
- Berman, Taylor. “Taylor Berman.” Taylor Berman, 2024, www.taylorbermanart.com/. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
Berman, Taylor. “Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival.” Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival, 2014, www.chromazone.net/taylor-berman. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.