Taylor “Dreamweaver” Smith is a street artist and muralist based in Saint Petersburg. She has a combined background in fine art, street art, and art in public spaces. Her work aims to invoke a sense of reverence for our natural world by enlivening and transforming public spaces. Often featuring portraiture, vivid patterns, and striking color combinations – her evolving style integrates expressive abstract and realism to capture the beauty of life through light & color.
Taylor was originally born in Dallas Texas, but also grew up in Portland Oregon and later Atlanta Georgia. After graduating from Georgia College and State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Fine Art in 2017, she set her sights on sunny Florida to pursue a future in Public Art. She is creating large scale murals, original canvas work, live painting activations, and collaborating with artists, communities, and brands both local and nationwide.
Artisan: Are you a full-time artist?
Dreamweaver: Yeah, since 2020 I have been full-time. I started my career live painting for concerts, festivals, and events out of college back in 2017. At the time I was living in Atlanta also working in the restaurant service industry, doing graphic design and creative event production work until December 2019. 2020 brought both its challenges and blessings; with event work coming to a sudden halt I think that it pushed me to dedicate all of my time to my art – it also helped me realize the value of public art and its ability to uplift communities.
If you weren’t doing art, what would you do?
I would probably be doing advertising or graphic design, or maybe event planning. I’ve always taken a liking to creative event production and decor. I graduated Georgia College & State University with a BA in communications, and I minored in fine art and graphic design. I pretty much lived at the Art Department in my college years, and I rented my first art studio from Habitat for Humanity for $100 a month my senior year. It was a little dark and musty – but man, I am still so grateful for that space.
I got a job after college doing graphic design for a start-up beauty products company; it was creative but I knew it wasn’t going to cut it for me. I need my work to be of service to something greater than sales. Period. I always knew I wanted to do art, but I was hesitant because I believed the starving artist stigma. Today I no longer hold that belief and if someone asks, I say dive in headfirst if you really know it’s what you want.
Does creating, “take you away to a special place?”
Oh, sure it does, it takes me to a place of freedom. Freedom to explore, experiment, try new combinations, and even fuck up a little. Creating quiets my mind and allows me to become more conscious of myself. My freedom means everything to me, that’s why I chose this path.
At what age did you know art was what you wanted to do? And, what inspired you?
I suppose I always knew I wanted to be an artist, but college was when I realized I had some actual talent and that I wanted to go bigger and do murals. That’s also when I stopped listening to everyone else and got really excited about improving and expanding my practice – still a driving force that fuels me today. I technically painted my first mural at age seven on my aunt Carolyn’s backyard shed in Waco, Texas. I took private painting lessons in my youth through elementary and middle school. In high school I was really interested in tattooing, and I got an apprenticeship with the local tattoo shop for about 8 months.
I was only sixteen at the time and Georgia law prohibits minors from tattooing, but it was a learning experience for sure. I have been doing live murals within the festival scene since 2018, and since then I haven’t been able to put down a spray can. Through these events and the culture we create, I have been blessed to meet some truly amazing people including my partner and love, and friends like family who I have learned from and received encouragement and mentorship. All my art teachers and mentors over the years have influenced me and inspired me, I will always cherish how they’ve touched my life.
How many murals have you painted? In St. Pete?
I have never stopped to count, but a rough estimate I would say around 120-150. I have lived here since 2019 and I have created 15-20 murals around St Pete in businesses, hotels, residences, salons, and apartments complexes. Another one coming at you soon!
Do you have an affinity for a particular subject matter?
I love nature and wildlife, you will often find themes of water, animals, and plant life in my work. I have had a particular affinity for birds over the past year. I enjoy playing with color and light.
Is public art your only thing, or do you create canvases and/or prints to sell? Are there any other forms of art that you get involved in?
Yes, I have a studio practice creating original canvas work. I just recently picked up an airbrush and am really loving it. I also enjoy working on irregular shapes like skateboard decks, surfboards, spray cans, custom shoes, purses, backpacks, etc., I sell limited edition prints of my work on my website, at festivals, and local art markets. I create branded t-shirts, stickers, keychains, patches, and I am getting some silk bandanas in the works I am super excited about! I still dabble in creative production as well – traveling to create art installations for festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, and Okeechobee Music Festival in Kissimmee, FL.
Are collaborations a major part of what you do?
Absolutely. Collaboration can be challenging at times, but it is a key component to growing as an artist. You learn from one another, pick up new techniques and tools, and it helps you realize strengths and where you could put in more practice. My partner and I started a collaboration project called KindMinds Art (@kindmindsart), intended to bring uplifting messages to communities nationwide – check us out!
Tell us about your live painting activations?
Most of the time these are installation mural walls live painted from start to finish at an event. I call them activations because it’s sort of a painting performance that activates a particular space – it gets people engaged. This could include partnering with brands/sponsors to create something in-line with their branding so that it gets people interested. Its art, live and direct.
Are you from a family of creatives?
My grandfather was an oil painter. I didn’t get to know him well, but his paintings were incredible. And my sister always took a liking to fashion design and ceramics. I think I get some of my entrepreneurial spirit from my dad who loves fishing and started his own tackle shop back when we lived in Georgia. Fun fact: the majority of my family is left-handed, myself included, So yeah, I say we are a creative bunch!
Where is your studio? Do you do the monthly ArtWalk?
My studio is currently located at my house here in St. Pete. I use my extra room, a garage, and some outdoor space to create. I participate in the Pinellas Art Walk, and I do some live painting for events at Donnelly Cove as well.
Why Dreamweaver?
I get that question a lot, and most people bring up the classic 70’s song by Gary Wright. Unfortunately, he was not my inspiration (sorry mom and dad). Originally it was Dreamweaver Designs, then I shortened it to Dreamweaver simply because it was too long to sign. But I always felt kind of in-between in life, like I couldn’t find where I fit. So, weaver seemed appropriate. And, well, this is my dream. I am dream weavin’ my way, and bringing life to life through art. •
