Creating Art That Lives Between Reality and Imagination

“I am an artist creating surreal digital collages that are part photographic and part who knows what.” Based in Gainesville, Florida, Maggie Taylor ’79 creates and prints her work in her own studio using Photoshop and AI tools. Her images are sold through galleries across the United States and internationally, blending technology, photography, and imagination in unexpected ways.

Her daily life is as fluid as her creative process. “Every day is different, depending on whether I am creating something or doing the business part of running an art studio,” she shares. Travel is a regular part of her work, with shows, lectures, and workshops filling her calendar. She embraces spontaneity and spends a long time refining each piece. “I really spend a long time refining each one because I do not start out with a finished idea of what it will look like.”

Her journey began unexpectedly at Chatham Hall when she stepped into a lead role in a play after a friend became ill. She recalls the role, “I loved it because I was such a nerd, but on stage could be a totally different person.” That experience helped shape her early college plans and led her to Yale, where she ultimately pivoted from theater to philosophy and photography. Graduate school followed, earning an MFA in photography from the University of Florida.

She spent years working as a fine art photographer before embracing digital tools. “Photoshop came along, and I was an early adapter to digital technology.” Computers fascinated her, and the transition opened new creative doors that continue to shape her work today.

One of her favorite parts of her career is the freedom it offers. “Setting my own agenda and goals is amazing.” She also loves teaching, especially online Photoshop and AI classes. “It is always amazing to see what people make and to help them along with their creative path.” Starting new work can be challenging. “For me, the hardest thing is starting a new piece. I have too many directions to go in.”

She credits Chatham Hall with encouraging curiosity and experimentation. “I had some wonderful teachers at Chatham who really encouraged me and taught me to be excited about learning, experimenting, and the world in general.” The relationships she built there continue to matter deeply. “Many times, my friends at Chatham felt more like my family than my real family.”

Her advice for students interested in creative fields is clear and empowering. “Get the best education you can, and be prepared to keep on learning throughout your life.” And especially for young women, she adds, “Do not be intimidated by technology. Go for it.”