Charting a new path in creative expression
The road to success as an artist often takes an indirect path. Despite the best-laid plans, artists often find themselves navigating roadblocks and detours just to find the right outlet for their creativity. That was certainly the case for Reginald Baylor, one of Milwaukee’s most influential artists and founder of Reginald Baylor Studio.
Having attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh as a sculpture major, he loved working in 2D and 3D mediums, which also fed into his love of architecture and scale. The transition from sculpting to painting was an important moment in Baylor’s career, but it didn’t stop the twists and turns of his journey. During periods spent in Los Angeles working at art museums and in Chicago, where he was owner/operator of Mason Dixon Trucking, he was developing the painting style that would become his signature.
“My style was directly related to having my son,” Baylor explained. “I ended up watching a lot of cartoons. And if you look at my work, I try to simplify it as much as I possibly can with the most symbols. It’s really based on animation.”
With his work gaining attention and accolades, Baylor gave up truck driving to concentrate full-time on his art. After returning home to Milwaukee, he founded Reginald Baylor Studio in 2009. Once again borrowing from the lessons he learned on the road, he discovered a new outlet for his creativity.
“My evolution from being a painter on canvas into working with a manufacturing team was because I was a truck driver,” Baylor said. “Most of my time was spent going from manufacturing plant to manufacturing plant, I like the manufacturing studio as much as a painting studio”.
Surrounded by an easily accessible pool of manufacturers, machinists, and fabricators, Baylor added design and fabrication to his repertoire alongside his paintings. At times, he enjoys the designer role and assembles a team of artisans based on individual clients’ needs.
“So, when I was asked by a client about a project, I was able to say, ‘What you’re asking for might not be best served as a painting; are you open to other options?’ The community is so large, and so many people are ready, talented, and capable; your only limits are your imagination.”
Reginald has many clients who collect his work and is currently working on numerous commissioned paintings. The Studio team also has its work cut out for them, doing many community-based projects and working with clients as well.
Where the road will take Baylor and the people at Reginald Baylor Studio next is anyone’s guess. But if the past is any indication, the Milwaukee art community is in for an enjoyable ride.
“Lady Paper Doll” and “Mr. Paper Doll” are part of the We Energies Foundation Art Collection located at the Baird Center. Reginald Baylor Studio is one of the thirty-three artists, most from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or with special ties to the area, who have works featured in the collection. You can discover more about the artists and their works at https://bairdcenter.com/art-collection/.