Published May 27. 2015 - 8 years ago
Updated or edited Oct 28. 2021

Taylor Garman

Taylor Rose Garman is a Massachusetts based artist. When her father originally asked her to paint a brook trout she obliged, but didn't really think too much of it. Now, when she can't fish or tie, she paints.

Rainbow trout -
Brook trout -
Brown trout -
Trout
Taylor Garman

Global FlyFisher partner Bob Petti dropped me a mail:
Taylor Garman had a very impressive display of her artwork at the Art of Angling show in Danbury and would be interested in working on an article for the "Fishy Art" section of GFF.
Bob had already been in contact with Taylor, and I just followed up with our usual series of questions, to which she replied the following:

a) How did you start working with art and with fishing related art in particular?

I don't remember when art became so important to me. I know that I always looked forward to the classes growing up and in high school I had a realization that I could potentially continue it as a career. I went to Massachusetts College of Art and Design with no particular medium guiding me besides the desire to create. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Art Education which allows me to continue my own practice as well as teach and inspire students through art.

One of the biggest influences in my life is my grandfather

b) Why fish and/or fishing?

One of the biggest influences in my life is my grandfather, Joe Garman. I was lucky enough to spend 16 years of my life with him. Although I wish it was longer I was still able to learn, grow, and become inspired by him. His passion for fly fishing, and his presence in the fly fishing community was not lost to me even at a young age. I remember going to "Joe's Back Room" and being in awe of all the feather colors in the flies and the photos on the walls. The many trips up to Grand Lake Stream, Maine and Yellowstone National Park were some of the happiest times I can remember.

In early middle school my grandfather started teaching me how to cast a fly rod. We would go to a field close to his house several times a week and practice. Hours and hours of casting. I remember how difficult it was to grasp the subtle nuances of casting. I listened, I complained, but I kept trying, and eventually I became very good. It made me realize the art in fly fishing, and the skills it takes to become a good fly fisherman. After catching my first fish on a fly rod, I was hooked (pun intended).

I was still eager to learn more. Joe was not only an excellent fly fisherman, and grandfather but was also a remarkable fly tyer. When not out casting, we would sit at his dining room table and tie flies together. Because of my love for art and making, I particularly enjoyed this. But just like casting, I became very aware of the challenges that were involved in creating a good fly. But I persevered. Even though I found all the skills that my grandfather taught me very valuable, what I cherished most was the time I got to spend with him one on one.

Steelhead -
Striped bass -
Steelhead, striper
Taylor Garman
The Jungle Don -
Blue Satyr -
Durham Ranger -
Flies
Taylor Garman

He was not the only the crazy fly fisherman in the family. My father Scott Garman was clearly bitten by the fly fishing bug at a young age and is just as passionate about it as my grandfather. I was never short of inspiration and encouragement. My mother, Lynn Garman and my grandmother, Joyce Garman both were excellent fly fisherman as well.

After my grandfather passed away I continued to fish and tie but not with the same frequency. I became busy with high school, and eventually college. I started focusing on other forms of art but always felt that void. When my father asked me to paint a brook trout I obliged but didn't really think too much of it. I soon realized that I became very interested in what I was doing. It made me feel good, like I was still connected to my grandparents in a way. I was becoming part of the fly fishing community again, and when I can't fish or tie I can paint.

Rainbow trout -
Rainbow
Taylor Garman

c) What is your preferred method of painting/drawing/producing your work - if any?

I work in a variety of mediums but for my fishing art I prefer painting. I frequently use acrylic on wood because it has a similar orientation of a mounted taxidermy trophy fish. Many fish populations are being overfished, and their numbers are dropping drastically.This gives fisherman a more ecologically friendly alternative to represent their prize winning fish and help sustain the fish population.

d) Is the art your main source of income - if at all a source of income - and do you do other jobs as a supplement?
I am a high school art teacher at Framingham High School specifically focusing on photography. I am happy that I continue to inspire and habituate students to the arts. Being in a continuously changing creative environment is what makes things so exciting. I love my job and besides the obvious joy of teaching your passion, it also has other perks. I take advantage of summer and other vacations to progress my own art career. I need to get myself out there more, and really promote my art. I am hoping with some planning and scheduling, and taking advantage of different events and shows I will be able to make my art an even bigger part of my income. Nothing feels better than knowing that someone is as interested and excited about what you do, and wants to support you!

e) Can people buy your art and if so, then in which form and where?

I would love for people to buy my art! Most of my work in on my website,. I do not have an online shop set up yet but I encourage people to e-mail me at Taylor.Rose.Garman@gmail.com for any interest, commissions, or questions about my work. I am very eager to take requests and create specific pieces that are unique to the buyer.

A display -
On display
Taylor Garman

f) Where do you currently live and work?

Live in Boston, Massachusetts and work in Framingham, Massachusetts at Framingham High School.

Taylor herself -
Taylor herself
Taylor Garman

Contact

Website: www.taylorgarman.com
Email Taylor.Rose.Garman@gmail.com

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