About Me

Audrey K. Taylor

I have always found writing and talking about myself exceedingly hard. I always say too much or not enough. I think that’s one of the main reasons I found photography. It became so easy to express my emotions through images rather than words. That being said; here are some things about me in no particular order. Both creating and witnessing art have been important to me my whole life. I’ve always felt that so much of the human experience is ineffable, and art is the only thing that can describe the indescribable. Human connection is my highest priority, which is one reason why I love taking portraits. I am deeply grateful for the connection I have with my 3 best friends, Gina Leah, and Devyn. Despite people who do not know me well enough to be commenting on my body or my decisions telling me I would regret it, I am in love with my only tattoo; our initials on my ribs… spelling out GLAD. They have been there for me every moment I’ve needed someone, whether it be giving me advice on a hard situation or making me laugh. I am a firm believer and living example that there is nothing more beautiful and powerful than friendships. I simply would not be here without them. Giving and receiving help and guidance from others is the greatest gift. Through a long time battle with depression, anxiety, and ptsd, paired with a lack of success with psychiatric medications, I found psychedelic medicine. I am deeply passionate about the legalization of psychedelic drugs for therapeutic use. I am constantly learning about alternative treatments for mental illness. In 2018 I found Holotropic Breathwork; a practice that has taken me to beautiful places and given me the warmest, most loving community. My mental health journey is undeniably a huge part of who I am, and I’ve come to accept that as more of a positive thing than a negative one. It forced me to become more knowledgeable about mental illness in myself and others, it has made me more compassionate towards others, it has lead me into the arms of most of my passions; photography, philosophy, psychedelic medicine, feminism, reading, writing, learning, growing. While the end goal is still to get through it, to stop having panic attacks, to be a happier & healthier person, I’ve taken much comfort in knowing it hasn’t been all bad and in many ways it has cultivated in me the very best parts of myself. My incredible parents, my loving partner, and my friends are the main reason I am able to get out of bed every morning. While I don’t play anymore, I am passionate about music. Going to concerts has always given me an indescribable feeling of love and connectedness. Some favorites are Bob Dylan, Slow Hollows, Tom Petty, Modest Mouse, Nahko & Medicine for the People, Front Bottoms, Moody Blues, Neil Young… and many more. My favorite thing to do is drive alone in my car, blast my music, & sing my head off. Some favorite books of mine are Acid Test by Tom Shroeder, How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, Memories Dreams & Reflections by Carl Jung, Be Here Now by Ram Bass… and again, many more. My greatest accomplishment in my life thus far was putting on an art show of my photos, paintings by a friend of mine, and short pieces of writing by my incredibly talented sister. I have not decided on a major, I’m not even sure I will finish college, I have no dream career and no idea where I will be in two years. For now my life isn’t about the future, it’s about living in this moment. It is about healing, learning how to love myself and the world around me, and trying my best to appreciate every minute.

(646)

I said: “What about my eyes?”

God said: “Keep them on the road.”

I said: “What about my passion?”

God said: “Keep it burning.”

I said: “What about my heart?”

God said: “Tell me what you hold inside it”

I said: “pain and sorrow”

He said: “Stay with it. The wound is the place where the light enters you.“

-Rumi