At the Center of your Being
- Title
- At the Center of your Being
- Creator
- Taylor Berman is a multidisciplinary artist and educator living and working in the St. Croix Valley of western Wisconsin. Rooted in a deep reverence for the natural world, his work spans printmaking, mural painting, knife making, and fly tying—merging aesthetic expression with utility and craft. Berman’s art is driven by his lifelong passion for outdoor exploration with his family and his interest in the complex relationships between animals, plants, and the landscapes they inhabit.
He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking with a minor in Painting, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Through both studio work and public art, Berman documents his experiences in nature and shares his evolving understanding of ecological systems and place-based storytelling.
Berman’s murals can be found throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, including notable works such as At the Center of Your Being for the Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival and Spring Creek Symphony, which honors the interconnected life within local waterways. His work has been exhibited regionally and recognized with awards in printmaking and public art. Across all media, Berman looks to inspire reflection and reconnection, inviting viewers to see the natural world, and their place within it, with renewed attention. - Date
- Creation: 2022
Documentation: 04.29.2025 - Description
- At the Center of Your Being by Taylor Berman is a mural that explores the themes of interconnectedness and personal growth through symbolic imagery. The focal point of the piece is a large bear, which stands at the center and represents inner strength and self-reflection. The bear’s dark black color, with subtle hints of navy blue, emphasizes its solid, grounded presence. Surrounding the bear are vibrant fish, painted in warm ochre tones of dark brown and terracotta which swirl in fluid motion. These fish represent the external forces like relationships, experiences, and the flow of life that shape and influence one's journey. The movement of the fish follows an invisible path that symbolizing the continuous flow of life and the interconnectedness of everything.
On the left side of the mural, an orb painted in colors like the fish, earthy hues serves as a visual connector between the grounded bear and the swimming fish. The orb helps tie these elements together and creates a sense of unity. On either side of the mural, a large human head frames the scene. Painted in varying shades of blue, the head recedes into the background, suggesting that the mind, while important, takes a backseat to the forces of nature and self-reflection that shape our experiences.
The mural's color palette creates a peaceful and balanced atmosphere. The earthy ochre of the fish contrasts with the deep blacks and navy blues of the bear, creating a harmonious balance between warmth and depth. The shades of blue used for the head and background provide a calm, serene backdrop that allows the bear and fish to stand out. The orb, painted in a similar ochre tone as the fish, contrasts gently with the surrounding elements, creating visual harmony and guiding the viewer's eye across the piece.
The lines in the mural are fluid and dynamic, with bold, sweeping curves that convey a sense of energy and motion, especially around the bear and fish. The finer lines add subtle details, such as shading and texture, providing depth to the piece. The rough texture of the brick wall adds a tactile quality to the mural, creating a contrast between the smooth paint and the physical surface, which helps to integrate the artwork with its environment.
The space within the mural is thoughtfully organized to create depth and movement. The bear, placed in the foreground, serves as the anchor of the composition, while the fish swirl in the middle ground, following the orb’s path. The orb acts as a connector, bringing together the natural and self-reflective elements of the piece. Though the human head is large, it remains in the background, reinforcing the idea that the mind, while important, is secondary to the more primal forces of nature and self-discovery. The arrangement of these elements creates a sense of flow and connection, encouraging the viewer to reflect on the relationships between nature, self, and the forces that shape our lives. - Subject
- At the Center of Your Being by Taylor Berman is a mural that explores the themes of personal growth, interconnectedness, and the influence of nature. At the heart of the piece is a bear, representing inner strength and reflection, while surrounding fish symbolize the relationships, people, and opportunities that guide us on our journeys. Framing the scene is a human head, emphasizing the connection between our inner selves and the world around us.
The mural’s flowing lines and earthy color palette evoke the natural world, suggesting that our paths are shaped not only by our actions and relationships but also by the environments we inhabit. It highlights the idea that personal growth is deeply intertwined with nature and the larger world, reminding us of the constant influence of the natural world on our lives. - Rights
- Artist: Taylor Berman
Researcher: Kate Gross - Source
- Berman, Taylor. About — Taylor Berman. Taylor Berman Art, https://www.taylorbermanart.com/about.
"Taylor Berman — Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival." Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival, https://www.chromazone.net/taylor-berman.
Berman, Taylor. Taylor Berman (@taylorbermanart) • Instagram photos and videos. Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/taylorbermanart/.
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Citation
Taylor Berman is a multidisciplinary artist and educator living and working in the St. Croix Valley of western Wisconsin. Rooted in a deep reverence for the natural world, his work spans printmaking, mural painting, knife making, and fly tying—merging aesthetic expression with utility and craft. Berman’s art is driven by his lifelong passion for outdoor exploration with his family and his interest in the complex relationships between animals, plants, and the landscapes they inhabit.
He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking with a minor in Painting, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Through both studio work and public art, Berman documents his experiences in nature and shares his evolving understanding of ecological systems and place-based storytelling.
Berman’s murals can be found throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, including notable works such as At the Center of Your Being for the Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival and Spring Creek Symphony, which honors the interconnected life within local waterways. His work has been exhibited regionally and recognized with awards in printmaking and public art. Across all media, Berman looks to inspire reflection and reconnection, inviting viewers to see the natural world, and their place within it, with renewed attention. , “At the Center of your Being,” Museum in the streets: Murals in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, accessed December 5, 2025, https://mspmurals.omeka.net/items/show/85.