Andy Taylor. Narrator of the Harris Project
Narrator Andy Taylor takes listeners on a journey through artist Bryan Thomas Molloy’s tireless research that fueled the imagery behind his historic oil on canvas, An Attempt to Burn John Harris. The 60-second audiobook excerpt above is from The Harris Project – An Attempt to Burn John Harris, which depicts a significant moment in Pennsylvania and American history.
Extensive Research. Breathtaking Work of Art
The book’s full title is HARRIS PROJECT: An Attempt to Burn John Harris – Process, Research and Explanation. This, however, is not about a book. This is about a masterful, meticulously researched painting that depicts a significant moment in Pennsylvania and American history: An attempt by booze-fueled Iroquois natives to burn Welsh trader John Harris.
But, the story of this incident runs far deeper than a single descriptive sentence.
[lightbox link=”https://andytayloronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/HarrisProject-Painting.png” thumb=”https://andytayloronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/HarrisProject-Painting-620×276.png” width=”620″ align=”center” title=”Bryan Thomas Molloy – An Attempt to Burn John Harris (2016)” frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=”Bryan Thomas Molloy – An Attempt to Burn John Harris (2016) – Click image to enlarge“]
This moment in time is a stark reflection – both positive and negative – of the American experience at the time. That American experience, influenced deeply by both European and native cultures, is what the reader will uncover through the artist/author’s extensive research chronicled in the pages of “HARRIS PROJECT: An Attempt to Burn John Harris – Process, Research and Explanation.”
It is a fascinating historical read. And with selfish hopes – a colorful listen. To learn more about the painting and research, follow this link – and support the work of this gifted, significant American artist, Bryan Thomas Molloy.
[lightbox link=”http://andytayloronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/HarrisProject-BryanMolloy.png” thumb=”http://andytayloronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/HarrisProject-BryanMolloy-472×295.png” width=”472″ align=”center” title=”Bryan Thomas Molloy – Artist as Iroquois” frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=”Bryan Thomas Molloy. Artist as Iroquois. Click image to enlarge“]
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Artist/Author Bryan Thomas Molloy’s description of the work (2012):
This will be the first major, in depth, and quite serious undertaking of my career; having, after numerous traumatic and scarring life events, for the past 5 years achieved some measure of stability in the community of Harrisburg. The most recent event being the passing of my father (2009), who on his deathbed suggested that I “paint Indians…something with Indians.”
Born in tragedy, inspired by exposure to Pennsylvania history
I had been thinking the same thing after a tour of the most beautiful Pennsylvania State Capitol Building, I had the murals of the history of PA in my mind. To mark an important occasion, as a memorial both to my father and the founders of this country, I picked up what was before me. As I work in the first Governor’s residence in PA, now owned by the 80 year-old non-profit Art Association of Harrisburg, this history and opportunity became obvious; it is physically near the point at which John Harris’ story allegedly took place, on the Susquehanna River.
The importance of this subject, as well as my own constant effort and involvement with the community of Harrisburg to promote my career and work, will surely advance my career and exposure. I conducted extensive research into many aspects of the structure of the 18th century world in a successful attempt to understand and identify stylistic minutiae of dress and behavior of European and Native peoples in the Colonial Period. I have been in contact with many organizations such as the Smithsonian and various universities, as well as the York Museum Trust in England, who have been very helpful in donating their time and expertise at no cost. The Yorkshire Museum also requested a copy of this research to retain in their archives.
– Author/Artist Bryan Thomas Molloy
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“After I studied Bryan’s Harris painting, a spirit came to me, and it was Harris. He said ‘Al, you do a great job with Pennsylvania Magazine, but when are you going to do a cover story on me?'”
— Al Holliday, publisher Pennsylvania Magazine
“Bryan Molloy’s John Harris Project is an extensively-researched, beautifully-conceived work of artistic, historical, and literary significance.”
— Carrie Wissler-Thomas: Director, Art Association of Harrisburg
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[lightbox link=”https://andytayloronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/HarrisProject-CityHall.png” thumb=”https://andytayloronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/HarrisProject-CityHall-620×348.png” width=”620″ align=”center” title=”The painting and research are displayed prominently in the main lobby of the Harrisburg City Hall.” frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=”The painting and research are displayed prominently in the main lobby of the Harrisburg City Hall.“]
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Audiobooks: Fiction, nonfiction, periodicals, poetry, musicals and more
“Not for me. I prefer the feel of an actual book. Nothing will replace turning pages.”
We hear this all the time, but numbers don’t lie. According to Forbes, book sellers saw record low sales in 2017. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that according to Publishers Weekly, the following year saw audiobook sales jump over 20%.
You see, it’s not that humans have grown averse to consuming the written word. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Today, people simply have more options when it comes to how they read. Not to mention, ebooks and audiobooks make the idea of reading more palpable to a hustling generation constantly on the go.
With new technology comes access
Readers no longer need to lug around paperbacks. Better still, they could have an entire library on a single device. If that weren’t enough, readers can actually choose to hear an author narrate a book in his own voice.
Meanwhile authors no longer need to depend on the page-turning public. Technology provides new audiences. And just as significantly, tech brings new revenue streams to overcome declining print sales.
With audiobooks, those authors can give a voice to their characters through self-narration or voice actors. Plus, authors can authentically convey intended subtlety or attitude often lost in print on a page.
Audiobooks. Ideal for today’s demanding pace of life
Consuming media only stops when one’s head hits the pillow. It’s relentless. From television and radio – to billboards, computers and personal devices. Today’s human brain is bombarded with more messaging and branding than ever before.
In response, many choose to control that continual intake by wearing earbuds or headphones virtually…everywhere. While the trend looks ridiculous to anyone over 40; when couched in this context, it makes sense: Control the noise with your own chosen noise.
Audiobook listening is an academic way to drown out the cacophony, with content catered to one. Listening to a narrator is intimate, easy and triggers the brain to constructively follow a story or message. Rather than face the ceaseless assault of distraction offered up with every passing billboard, pop-up, or timeline scroll.
Andy Taylor | Audiobook Narrator and Storyteller
When authors hire voice actors to tell their stories, the process of selecting a narrator is similar to film casting, minus the visual. For example:
- First, does the talent’s tone fit the author’s imagined sound of the narration?
- Second, is the narrator versatile enough to create unique sounding characters when the story calls for interaction?
- Third, does the talent possess the equipment and skills to create a great sounding read?
- And finally, is the narrator reliable and capable of delivering on important deadlines?
Voice Actor Andy Taylor possesses all of these attributes. As a result, he often exceeds the expectations of authors who believe his sound and style fit the needs of their narration.
Learn more about Andy’s voice over and narration services today
