Luthier Taylor Stephens walks us through the many faces of reflections, and how we must remember to look beyond the self for growth, excitement, and momentum.
We encounter reflections every day, whether we’re seeking them out in mirrors, accidentally encountering them in nature, or are drawn to their mysterious glow in the form of a disco ball. But reflections are more than our own pretty face, and luthier Taylor Stephens is going to guide us through their many forms and meanings throughout history. Through a series of breakdowns and definitions, we discover a common thread of reflections being used as a marker of knowledge or truth in art and media, everywhere from Renaissance paintings to Disney movies. This seeking of truth is not without caution: too much reflecting can come with problems as well—if you stare too long, you might not be able to know what’s true anymore, and no reflection will ever show what you are inside. With this guidance, we hope you look into how your year is going, and after taking a moment to reflect, to be introspective and consider all you’ve learned, to get out and do. Reflecting might show you a million reasons not to start, but momentum and motivation come once we start moving.
About the speaker
Taylor Stephens is a luthier and model maker who specializes in R&D and prototyping for Fender Musical Instruments. Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Taylor began her career in the music industry as an audio engineer, working in broadcast radio and mixing live sound for small-to-mid sized rooms and music festivals. After relocating to Nashville, Taylor fell in love with the art of instrument making and design, and tries to make sawdust whenever she can. When she’s not in the woodshop, you can find her going to shows, shooting film, and renovating a 1968 Airstream with her girlfriend Violet.
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