|
Bernie Taupin is best known for his 30-year collaboration with pop star Elton John, writing some of pop music's most beloved compositions, such as "Your Song", "Candle in the Wind", "Rocket Man", "Tiny Dancer", et al. Elton John, has stated, "Without Bernie, basically there wouldn't have been an Elton John". Taupin is a present day renaissance man; in addition to lyricist, singer, poet, critic, producer, author, restauranteur, award winner, Taupin also pursues his passion for painting. Taupin was born in 1950, on a farm with no electricity, in Lincolnshire, England. His father was a stockman on a large farm estate; his mother, a social bohemian and former nanny. Bernie credits his mother and paternal grandfather for instilling in him a deep appreciation for literature, nature, history, music, art and poetry. Frustrated with school and the depressing future he sought to evade, at age 15 Taupin dropped out. In 1967, after a series of dead-end jobs, Taupin submitted some poetry in response to an ad in England's music paper New Musical Express that was seeking new songwriters. At the same time Elton John submitted samples of his work to the paper, and the pair were brought together, and the rest is history. Artist's Statement: Canvas to me is simply the visual extension of what I have spent my life creating through words. The imagination, in my estimation, is the most powerful tool the artist possesses enabling us to conjure up beautiful distraction for the ears and eyes. I have no formula except that which comes from what I dream, feel and see. To me colors are like words...they express emotions...likewise texture and mediums display an abundance of moods. I have no set pattern of definitive style, it is hard to conform when there are so many options, house paint and wood stain can be equally as evocative as acrylics and oil, at times all four together can create the desired results. I find blocks and oblongs of bright colors effective, for me they express affection. In the same way their dark counterparts with their fragmented edges and torn middles spell disturbance and pain. The intermingling of all these parts present life. In another way I find urban chaos and atmospheric cities inspirational. The teaming vibrancy of legendary streets and exotic foreign parts makes for a great palate. At times my original concept for a piece can develop into something more complex; it's scope becoming broader. I find design encouraging; at times almost dictating what direction to take. Any form of appreciation for one's work is gratifying but for my own reasons I would rather the observer discard with titles (they're merely selfish labels) and draw upon their own imagination to read into them what they will...good, bad or indifferent. It will cause stimuation and that is reward enough. -Bernie Taupin Today, Taupin lives with his family in Santa Barbara, California, where he writes and paints at his in-home studio. |