Heart attack claims Taylor
At press time, The Islander learned that Jim Taylor, owner
of Taylor-Made Marine Construction and Taylor-Made
Pyrotechnics of Holmes Beach, died in Orlando in the early morning hours
Monday, Jan. 16.
We at The
Islander deemed it fitting to share an anonymous
passage that Taylor brought to us to explain his
innermost feelings about his craft - fireworks.
"I often
use the word 'joy' when describing fireworks.
It is a considered work, deliberate in choice. Not
just amusement, entertainment or astonishment, but
joy.
"Our art
makes us all into children again for awhile. We become
one in our experience for the moment, lost in the sound
and color and light. We see large forces, stronger
than we can be, yet beautiful in their efforts. Sometimes
violent, sometimes restrained. Deliberate beyond imagination
at times, coarse and rude at others.
"Deadly
force, dangerous, dirty stuff. Crafted with sweat.
Controlled by the artist. Bringing joy to many. Bringing
joy.
"To me,
the art encompasses all of life. Pain and work, plan
and mistake, joy and tragedy. For all the pain, injury
and failure we suffer, our efforts bring the joy - the
magic, to thousands. Not a bad return. Though very
few ever recognize the effort, nearly all remember
the result, and have for a few moments, the joy. The
world is better for an instant.
"What more
could one want?"
Jim leaves behind
wife Pidge, children Courtney, Nick and Kelsey - and
the joy shared by many who viewed his artistry. |
