Goodrich resident Lori Taylor has made a career of finding art in nature. Now, with her acceptance into Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Artist in Residence program, she’ll have the opportunity to take her talents on the road.
Taylor, 47, is a seasonal naturalist at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston and has created much of the art displayed in the center. She got the job following 20 years of volunteer and contract work with the center, but Taylor’s love of artistically depicting scenes from nature dates back much further to her early childhood.
‘I’ve been doing this kind of stuff since I was a kid…I’ve always had a keen interest in combining the two; art and nature,? says the self-taught Taylor.
Taylor’s work can also be seen in Huron Metro Parks and at the Troy Nature Center, as well as in her children’s book ‘Lissy Lost.?
‘I do tons of research.You have to combine artistic design and science and make it work,? says Taylor.
The artist in residence program Taylor will participate in runs Sept. 9-29 at the dunes. There, Taylor will create a piece of art to leave with the park as part of her obligation to the program. She plans to make an interactive trail guide.
According to the park’s website, www.nps.gov/slbe/parkmgmt/artistinresidence.htm, ‘The artist-in-residence program is open to professional American writers, composers and visual artists, including photographers, whose work can be influenced and enhanced by this… Michigan scene. It provides resident artists the opportunity to capture the moods of Sleeping Bear Dunes in their particular medium.?
Though the residency is unpaid, Taylor says she will be well compensated for her time in the experience she will gain.
‘I’m getting all kinds of inspiration and all kinds of things I wouldn’t get to see otherwise,? says Taylor.
Taylor says she views the experience as one with the opportunity to be mutually beneficial.
‘I think adding art to the park is an awesome way to get people out there,? says Taylor.
Preservation is one of Taylor’s goals with her art.
‘I think it’s important for people to get out and see what’s around them because then they can understand it better and protect it,? says Taylor.
‘I try to get people out and be curious and wonder and wander? to protect these things.?