31/03/2024
Slipstream has learned of the passing of longtime contributor Thomas W. Taylor, also known as the poet Spiel, who passed away March 1, 2024 at the age of 82. Thomas graduated from Longmont High School and attended CU Boulder. His career took him to Hollywood, California, as the designer for a needlepoint company and album cover artist. Then, taking a break from art, he moved to northern California to manage a cattle ranch, fruit orchard, and dairy farm. From there, he spent two years in Zambia as a wildlife photographer/artist and then moved back to Denver and eventually Pueblo West. He loved the wildlife and serenity there.
His work for the Zambia Wildlife Conservation Society was the beginning of his signature graphic wildlife art, which
earned him a great deal of recognition in the 1980s. His licensing agent, Determined Productions, led to contracts
with the World Wildlife Fund, the Audubon Society, and many others. His graphic wildlife images were reproduced
internationally on many products from bed sheets to ceramics and beach towels.
Throughout his career, Tom also dove into conceptual art and social commentary. He was never shy about being
provocative and stirring the pot with his images. After being diagnosed with a terminal disease in the late 1990s, he
began to focus his attention on writing. He was widely published in the small press and his short stories and
poetry explored the dark side of human nature.
Tom’s passion for art was the driving force in his life. Every day he would get up and paint or write. He loved to talk
to fellow artists about their work and would engage art gallery visitors, encouraging them to express their reactions
to his art. Tom was always grateful to the many patrons, friends, relatives, and colleagues who supported him and
made his success possible.
Tom is survived by his long-time companion of 39 years, Paul Welch, brothers and sisters-in-law, many cousins,
nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Fern and Amos Taylor, brother Jim Taylor, and sister Diane Sigvaldson.
