by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
I’m going to be trustworthy… I sometimes don’t write all these articles as a result of they occur manner too usually, and they’re by no means simple to put in writing. Nonetheless, MeatAXE (Mark Taylor) is somebody I think about to be a buddy, and I need everybody to know how Mark’s art work touched many within the trade and simply how proficient he was.
Conversations with MeatAXE had been by no means missing once we spoke. Every dialog would movement from enterprise to dietary supplements to firearms and even the state of the US and each of our ideas (which was at all times attention-grabbing to see what somebody from one other nation considered what’s happening within the US — MeatAXE is from Australia).
However on this article, let’s honor MeatAXE for what he was… an important man, bodybuilder, and one heck of a graffiti artist.
The Sudden Passing of MeatAXE — A True Legend
The bodybuilding and artwork communities are in absolute shock following the surprising dying of Mark Taylor. This man was a famend spray painter, bodybuilder, and father.
Sadly, we obtained the unhappy information that MeatAXE handed away out of the blue on the age of fifty.
It’s being reported that he was driving his five-year-old son to a celebration when he suffered a medical emergency. Witnesses reported seeing him slumped inside his automotive and instantly known as emergency providers.
Tragically, paramedics had been unable to save lots of him.
A Bodybuilder and Artist Like No Different
MeatAXE wasn’t only a aggressive bodybuilder again in his prime — he was an artist with a singular imaginative and prescient.
In all actually, the talent of this graffiti artist left folks standing with their jaws on the bottom.
His hyper-realistic murals may be seen in a few of Australia’s most well-known gyms. He had been creating graffiti artwork since his teenage years, mixing his love of bodybuilding and artwork into a robust profession.
You’ve most likely seen his murals that included bodybuilders like Phil Heath, Jay Cutler, Ronnie Coleman, Kai Greene, and even ladies akin to Dana Linn Bailey.
The expertise that MeatAXE possessed took him all over the world. He painted murals in Malta, created portraits within the US, and labored on numerous commissioned items.
Tributes Pour In
The health and bodybuilding group got here collectively to honor MeatAXE.
The Diamond Creek Basketball Membership, the place he coached, posted a heartfelt tribute:
“Diamond Creek Basketball Membership extends its deepest condolences to the Taylor household throughout this heartbreaking time. We’re deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Mark Taylor. Mark was a beloved member of our group, and lots of really feel his loss.”
Powerhouse Health club South Morang shared an image of their MeatAXE mural, writing:
“Very unhappy information to get up to immediately. The lack of somebody so proficient, a household man, and such fun to have round. You’ll be without end missed.”
Photographer Cory Freeman mirrored on the loss:
“One other mind-blowingly unimaginable artist, wonderful dad, loving husband, and simply an all-around lovely soul has been misplaced. Your creativity and humbling persona will probably be sorely missed all over the world, brother.”
Freeman talked about how MeatAXE supported him from the start:
“I used to be at all times in awe watching you’re employed, taking a low-quality image on a cellphone and turning it right into a 20ft masterpiece on a constructing. You at all times checked in with phrases of encouragement. I’ll miss our laughs and heart-to-heart chats.”
Supporting the Household
Within the wake of his passing, a GoFundMe web page was set as much as help MeatAXE’s household. To date, over $40,000 has been raised.
The donations will go in the direction of his funeral prices, serving to the household pay for his or her value of residing bills, training, and serving to them proceed to run their household enterprise whereas his spouse, Renée, takes a while off to grieve and deal with their youngsters throughout this extremely troublesome time.
Renée plans to take over the household complement enterprise, Axe Laboratories, till she will discover somebody to fill the position.
The Legacy of MeatAXE Will Reside on In His Artwork
MeatAXE wasn’t simply an artist or a bodybuilder — he was an inspiration.
Each time he posted his graffiti, I’d be left staring on the display in disbelief at how somebody may create such a masterpiece.
One thing so massive that if you’re up shut, all you see is graffiti spray, and it doesn’t actually make sense till you step again and it unveils itself to you.
His work will dwell on in gyms, murals, and the hearts of those that knew him. The person was selfless and at all times seeking to do good.
The bodybuilding and artwork worlds have misplaced an enormous, however his legacy will dwell on without end.