Upon entering my next round of intensive treatment for the mental health conditions I live with, I found myself yearning to reengage with my passion for art as a way to reconnect with myself and create a message of hope during this period of adversity. After great self-exploration, I realized that even when the darkness is present, the sky, with all it's light and beauty, still shines through the contrast and promises to return in full the next day always. Thus, "Seeing Through the Dark was born as a message of hope to myself and others, that who we are can always pierce through difficult times through the power of perspective.

Seeing Through the Dark

These preloved pieces are inspired by the bold and beautiful schemas of American Traditional Tattooing, as well as some of my favorite tattooers (like Alex W. Graham, Ceildh Watson, Daniele Delli Gatti, Joe Tartarotti, and more 🌹).

  
Since I was kid, I've loved the movement and iconography of snakes in art and design. Yet, what sticks with me the most is the mythology of what they represent: Transformation, the shedding of old skins that no longer fit, and guides through continual renewal, creativity, and rebirth.

The Guide Shorts & Bag

With "No Light Without Darkness", I first painted this concept during my own journey towards mental health recovery. After months of struggling to engage with my passions, I decided to get started again by creating a message of hope to myself and others who may be facing similar challenges.

The peaceful and solid trees and its leaves serve as a consistent focal point, representing Us ultimately. Then, the audience gets to choose which way they would like view this piece: Through the dark night sky, with a smattering of bright stars, or on the lighter horizon, which can either be seen dusk or dawn.

Through this inherent choice and the painting's subject matter, we are reminded of the constant opportunity for perspective that exists before us: When darkness is surrounding us, there's a chance to appreciate it's depth and the points of light that can now peek through its contrast. Simultaneously, we can also choose to view it through the promise of light returning to us with the rising and setting of the sun.

In either case, both realities exist at the same time, and will inevitably cycle into each other over time. Moreover, neither experience can exist with the presence of the other.

With the help of therapy and my loved ones, I took my opportunity to heal by painting how the light of life cannot exist with darkness. Hence, both experiences have been equally important to my journey.

So, when going through periods of difficulty, this piece reminds me that recovery is possible through the power of perspective. I can appreciate what both experiences bring forth, and still hold onto what is consistent through it all: My own inherent worth.

No Light Without Darkness Shorts

"Intertwined" allows the wearer to be reminded of the intrinsic connection we all share to each other and the Earth. Meanwhile, the winding roots represent the beautiful, complex network of energy we all exist in.

Intertwined Caps

Inspired by the power of transformation, the Scorpio Rising jumpsuit was designed with the intention to help the wearer embrace and embody their inner phoenix rising from the ashes.

Along the sides of this pre-loved Levi’s suit, hand-painted metallic red, leafy vines wind up the legs, and serve as a symbol of growth and fiery rebirth.

My hope is that when someone wears this piece, they are reminded and empowered by the truth of who they are and the inherent worth and resilience they carry ♥️

Scorpio Rising Jumpsuit #1

With "No Light Without Darkness", I first painted this concept during my own journey towards mental health recovery. After months of struggling to engage with my passions, I decided to get started again by creating a message of hope to myself and others who may be facing similar challenges.

  
The peaceful and solid trees and its leaves serve as a consistent focal point, representing Us ultimately. Then, the audience gets to choose which way they would like view this piece: Through the dark night sky, with a smattering of bright stars, or on the lighter horizon, which can either be seen dusk or dawn.

  
Through this inherent choice and the painting's subject matter, we are reminded of the constant opportunity for perspective that exists before us: When darkness is surrounding us, there's a chance to appreciate it's depth and the points of light that can now peek through its contrast. Simultaneously, we can also choose to view it through the promise of light returning to us with the rising and setting of the sun.

  
In either case, both realities exist at the same time, and will inevitably cycle into each other over time. Moreover, neither experience can exist with the presence of the other.

  
With the help of therapy and my loved ones, I took my opportunity to heal by painting how the light of life cannot exist with darkness. Hence, both experiences have been equally important to my journey. 

  
So, when going through periods of difficulty, this piece reminds me that recovery is possible through the power of perspective. I can appreciate what both experiences bring forth, and still hold onto what is consistent through it all: My own inherent worth.
  
  

No Light Without Darkness

"A Guided Heart" was borne out of the same heartbreak that inspired it's companion piece, "Broken Petals". This work represents the simultaneous experience of a building feeling of ferocity and vulnerability that comes after the transformation that can take place after it feels like your world has ended. In the center, the rose blooms and flourishes in it's delicate beauty, whilst the Snake (known in some traditional mythologies as the "Guide", protects its growing petals.

A Guided Heart

This piece inspired by heartbreak and the shedding of layers that come from being reborn out of hardship. In addition, the traditional "loves me, loves me not" game is exemplified as petals from the rose fall to the ground, with no end in sight.

Broken Petals

"I'll Meet You There" was created following a life-changing camping trip to Lassen National Forest with my chosen family. Located along the rushing current of the Feather River, with zero access to the comfortable amenities we'd become accustomed to, I could feel myself changing in every cell of my being. 

  
With the beauty of the trees, the serenity of being alone in the woods, and being surrounded by the love and laughter of my friends, the hardened shell around who I really am slowly cracking and shedding away. The happiness and gratitude for the person I am, the people I'm surrounded by, and the stunning setting I was finding myself in, was just so immense. As the trip came to a close, I felt like I wanted to capture the magic I was experiencing, like lightning in a bottle.

  
Thus, "I'll Meet You There" was created to seal a piece of this place away for me and the audience, all inside the delicate beauty of a bubble.

I'll Meet You There

Inspired by the power of transformation, the Scorpio Rising jumpsuit was designed with the intention to help the wearer embrace and embody their inner phoenix rising from the ashes.

  
Along the sides of this pre-loved Levi’s suit, hand-painted metallic red, leafy vines wind up the legs, and serve as a symbol of growth and fiery rebirth.

  
My hope is that when someone wears this piece, they are reminded and empowered by the truth of who they are and the inherent worth and resilience they carry ♥️

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Taylor Horton

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