Ben Taylor has quite the educational pedigree: he studied ceramics with Hall Riegger at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts; worked as an assistant to Keene College's director, Fran Merritt; and earned an MFA studying conceptual art with Carl Florsheim at Temple University. But he shirks the title of "artist" in favor of calling himself a "thingmaker." After spending two years in Afghanistan with the Peace Corps, Taylor became an instructor at Drury College in Missouri and gained an appreciation for Zen meditation, which sparked a move to Rochester in 1972 to join the Zen Center and volunteer in refugee resettlement. Taylor in 1997 began a series of large-scale black-and-white pen and ink drawings, "The Birth of the Universe," some of which are being shown at Flower City Arts Center's Printmaking & Book Arts Studio. Taylor will discuss his journey and his work this week at the center.

"The Birth of the Universe" will remain on view through May 31 at Flower City Arts Center (713 Monroe Avenue). Taylor's lecture is scheduled for Sunday, May 6, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free. 244-9312; rochesterarts.org.