Taylor Herr '24

Drawing inspiration from the ocean, Taylor Herr’s senior capstone project reflects her passion for art and the sea. She began the intricate process of shaping and glassing a fully functional surfboard.   

“I have always grown up right by the ocean, so surfing has always been a part of my life and a great outlet for me,” explained Herr, who graduated in December. “I find surfing to be such a freeing and exhilarating activity that I can’t compare it to any other. The ocean is also something I am very attached to and find refuge in; to me, it feels like home. So, creating a vessel to place myself in the ocean was amazing and spiritual for me.”  

She created the surfboard using foam, fiberglass and tinted resin, followed by sanding with seven different grit levels to achieve a smooth finish. She added personal touches, including a poem paying homage to the ocean, sketches of peace lilies and a childhood photo of her and her sisters.  

“I worked on several iterations of a poem until I wrote one I felt encompassed what I wanted to express about the ocean and my connection to it,” she said.  

Being at the state’s coastal university provided additional inspiration for her project. UNCW is positioned just a short drive from Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure beaches.  

“The proximity to the ocean certainly attracted me to UNCW and the campus,” she continued. “I also love the downtown area and its historical nature. All these things make me feel closer to home.”  

Herr grew up in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, where she helped her family run a small, historic inn on the oceanfront. Art was not Herr’s first choice of major. She transferred to UNCW her junior year with an interest in business, then changed her major to art history and finally to art, she explained.  

“I love having it as a form of self-expression, and I love the ability to create work that I feel connected to and proud of,” she said.   

The capstone project taught Herr the value of patience and planning, skills crucial for art and life.  

“I am a person who speeds through projects at times, but a lot of patience is required to create a surfboard, as well as a lot of math and planning,” said Herr. “The more mathematical portion was also new to me, which required me to slow down and be methodical.”  

In the coming year, Herr hopes to save money, apply to galleries and residencies, and continue creating art. She aims to continue honing her craft and remain connected to the art community.  

“I would love to shape another board and continue this as a series,” she said.