About Jen Taylor | Textured Floral Artist in New Orleans

How I found my way back to making things

A few years ago I was doing everything I was supposed to do. Working out. Eating well. Doing the inner work. I had a career in corporate sales, three kids and a full calendar, and I still felt off.

Somewhere along the way I had stopped making anything just for me.

On a road trip with my husband, no kids, I kept scrolling videos of textured flowers. Palette knife, raised petals, flowers coming right off the canvas. He looked over and said, you should just give it a try.

So I did. I set up at my kitchen table, and when the first petal went down exactly the way I wanted, I took a picture and sent it straight to him.

The first piece I was really proud of was white magnolias on a deep teal background. It still hangs in my kitchen.

Now I teach other women how to find that same quiet. No art background needed. Just a palette knife, a little paste and a few calm moments.

Why I paint

I make art because it gives me a chance to fully connect with a part of me that does not have words to express.

I've taught yoga for over 12 years, and placing petals feels a lot like coming back to the breath. The world goes quiet. My brain goes quiet. It's the one time I get to focus on just one thing.

What I believe

Creativity is a practice, not a gift.
You never lose it. You just have to use it again. A three year old is an artist, and so are you.
It looks harder than it is.
Once you can load the knife and place one petal, every flower is that same move in a new shape.
Making something just for you matters.
It's not a luxury. It's how you come back to yourself, and you show up better for everyone else too.