Today we’d like to introduce you to Taft McWhorter.
Taft, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I entered the Houston art scene in 2006. After spending two years as the business manager for local Houston artist John Palmer, I decided it was time to open an art gallery and represent myself as well as other local artists. After nine months, it was clear that it was time to focus primarily on my art. I focused on exhibiting at local galleries and putting on group shows with other artists.
In 2014, I was named one of Houston’s “Top Ten Artists” by the Houston Press. As I was building a following of my own, I began painting “live” at fundraising events. This led to painting “live” at over 30 galas annually and raising over $100,000 annually for local non-profits. Due to my participation in philanthropy, I was named one of the “40 Most Fascinating Houstonians” by the Houston Chronicle in 2015. Dana, my wife of 29 years, is my partner in our art business.
In 2017, Dana and I took a leap of faith, sold our home of 11 years and moved to Los Angeles, California to expand our business to the west coast. It has now been 18 months since we made the trek and we have had the adventure of our lives. We travel back to our hometown of Houston every month to conduct business, paint at fundraisers and visit family and friends. It has been a struggle and has taken a lot of patience and perseverance, but the payoff is that now our art business has a presence in both cities.
My artwork will be featured at The Los Angeles International Art Fair in January 2019 with BG Gallery (of Santa Monica), and I will have my solo exhibit at TAG Gallery just outside of Beverly Hills in April 2019. My private studio in Houston is located at Winter Street Studios (part of the Sawyer Yards Artist Complex). I have now built up a list of over 500 collectors of my work and don’t intend to slow down anytime soon.
I am a big proponent of going after your dreams. I am working on my second publication, titled “Pursue Your Passion” that will ideally be published in 2019. I have the desire to help others reach their potential in whatever they are passionate about. I teach “Art Business” workshops about once a year at the University of Houston, Fresh Arts and the Art Institute of Houston and New York.
My wife Dana and I have three sons, Andrew (28), Zach (25) and Taylor (22). They are all pursuing their passions as well. One is a writer, one is a cook, and one is an actor/producer.
I am drawn to things that are challenging, stimulating and rewarding. My goal is to live a life that centers around creative energy and experience. I traveled to Spain this past summer to run with the bulls, and I’ve just taken up surfing as my newest hobby. I surf several times a week in Venice, and I love it. I treat life as one big adventure. My artwork is an extension of that energy. It is colorful, vibrant and many of my pieces have a message (or two).
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The art business is one big roller coaster of highs and lows. It isn’t a steady stream of income, so you have to plan for the slow months. And you are always proving yourself in one way or another.
To be an artist means being an entrepreneur. And to be an entrepreneur, you have to learn and become adept at accounting, time management, excel spreadsheets, social media, networking, etc. It can be overwhelming.
And for some crazy reason, I decided to do it not only once, but twice in Houston and then in Los Angeles. But, the rewards are worth it. Always.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am primarily a painter. I use acrylic, watercolors, and resin. I just recently completed my first sculpture by collaborating with living legend David Adickes. Together, we created a 20′ tall sculpture that says “Pursue Your Passion.”
I am known for painting “live” at fundraising events. Beyond my abstract paintings, I am also known for my “Flag Series.” There are roughly over 200 of my original paintings of the Texas and US Flags in private collections.
What sets me apart is two-fold. First of all, my business acumen has served me well in the art biz. I am known for my passion for helping other artists figure out how to run an art business.
Secondly, I am known for my pursuit of life. I am always looking for profound life experiences like skydiving, running with the bulls and surfing.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My personality. I enjoy getting to know people. When someone acquires one of my artworks, I say “welcome to our family.”
And I am sincere in that we treat our collectors like family. We get to know them. We go to dinner. We travel together. We raise funds for charities together. We are a big family.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2101 Winter Street Houston, TX 77007
- Website: www.TaftMcWhorterArt.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: taftmcwhorter
- Facebook: Taft McWhorter
Image Credit:
Tatum Bronte, Asem Sheshtawy
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
