Art Taylored to Our Times
Contributed by Charice Chambers
William Taylor York loved art almost from birth. Even as a young child when given a choice of activities, he always chose the art project. Once in school, the pattern continued with a variety of art classes. In high school he sampled nearly all the art instruction offered to students. Carving, cartooning, portraiture, landscapes were all of interest to him. He chose many mediums to express his artistic themes, though for many years pencil drawings of all types were his forte. York’s artistic interests continued throughout his college days at the University of Wisconsin. His artistic endeavors were not merely introspective. He wanted to share his love of art with others. His hope was that he could share the pure joy that art evoked in his life with those around him. Early on York did a great deal of face painting for children at art shows and festivals at no cost. He hoped to bring youngsters the joy and delight of art and color. He did just that.
Though he spent much of his life in Wisconsin, York took repeated trips to Alaska to visit family members who had migrated there. He loved the place, its sense of freedom and its great expanses of unspoiled nature. At each departure, he longed to return one day.
Eventually he did return: to die! For many years his health had deteriorated to the point that he could barely walk a few steps before collapsing. Alaska seemed like a good place to spend his last days, so he moved to the Greatland. Then something strange happened. Rather than getting worse, his health improved. Soon the man who could barely put one foot in front of the other, was taking short walks and drinking in the beauty of Alaska. It was as though the land had healed him. He picked up some acrylic paint at a thrift shop and soon began cataloging all that he was seeing on his sojourns. From lakes to flowers and munching moose to soaring eagles, he captured Alaska on canvases of all sizes as well as on interestingly shaped tree limbs.
York, who uses his middle name, Taylor (because there are too many William’s in his family), was soon besieged by those seeking his art. Its simplicity, bold color and representational style appealed to many. Several of his paintings can be viewed at the Palmer Senior Center. York shares his love of art there through painting classes which he offers from time to time to the pleasure of a growing group of devoted students. His art may also be viewed in the gift shop where he exhibits and sells his pieces.
Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop is located at 1132 South Chugach Street across from Palmer Junior Middle School. The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. Call 907 745-5454 for extended and special hours.
