51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Learning how to cut the fat

Zach Taylor graduated as a poetry and studio art double-major. Initially he was on an English literature track which led to an interest in writing which progressed from fiction, to non-fiction, and, finally, to poetry. Along the way, he developed his photography at Peeler. “Poetry influenced my work as a photographic artist. Poetry was a means of ‘cutting the fat.’” 

“My writing still helps my art…it helps my life in general. When I graduated, I didn’t know what I wanted to do (I knew I had options, including a top graduate school). I knew I could write and it was writing that helped me figure things out. It helps me develop my plan and it helps me develop my work, especially when collaborating.” 

“Cynthia O’Dell was one of the first professors who showed me the possibilities at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. I told her, during the second semester of my first year, that I was thinking about majoring in art. She immediately walked into her office, came back with a form and said, ‘fill this out.’ Later, she wrote a letter of recommendation for graduate school and I got accepted to great programs.” 

Zach pursued an interest in lighting and environmental design as a vocation. Today, he is a neon-tube artist in Sante Fe. In 2025, through the Ted and Katie Blair Ukrop Visiting Artist Fund and the Department of Art and Art History, Zach was on campus for a week, sharing his work and leading workshops with students.