Today we’d like to introduce you to Shemika Bussey.
Hi Shemika, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I always was creative as a child, even though then I didn’t know what that meant. I would draw cartoons, trace them and do arts and crafts. My grandma Louise Brookes would save me cartoon papers because back then they would be in Sunday Comics area.
From then on I would enter art contest in elementary school and explore all the arts.
I played musical instruments, sand and even was apart of the marching band in highschool and college.
I always would imagine and buy coloring books throughout my life but I took my first art class formally at Savannah State University.
I learned about pottery, painting, making mobiles, etc, but none of this to be clear makes an artist.
It helps to learn more and developesa craft of natural interest for me, and learning the arts is never ending.I absolutely love that part. The freedom of expression.
So fast forward to now. A few years back I posted my art someone wanted to buy it and my spark for creating art thats for sale came.
The joy of creating is separate because I dont create for the money I acu love creating.
Since that time I have gained recognition, rewards,created murals and even went viral for my infamous Jason Aldean artwork.
That art work truely captures my interperation of myself as an artist vs whatever the world thinks.
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Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Its not been a smooth road because the path never existed I created it or more so it creates itself in a way. Long nights, early mornings, dedication, being a mom and social worker for my 9 to five, life can become cluttered.
Painting is definitely a therapeutic escape from
The world.. when I started painting heavily in the beginning it really helped with my bouts of depression and allowed me to sit down for a while having hyper active Adhd and inattentive Adhd .. its like a super power and this all works in my favor.
I am a spiritual person so I pray to GOD and do my best to do my best work and improve.
I am my only competition so I set goals for improving my skills.
I have gotten it down to a science of balancing my time because painting takes hours and I paint with acrylic paint, which starting and stopping an art work can be easy or difficult especially when I mix own paint.
Life happens tho so sometimes I roll with it and know I have to give myself grace.
I also have to congratulate myself and look back at what I have done my passion to create makes me feel like I have not done enough art.
i paint in my kitchen At home so that helps me alot, and sometimes it hard to stop painting lol.
In my art career as an artist I hope that others can see my energy in my art. I always feel as tho my art finds it owner vs me pushing my art on a person.
Even if I dont sell any art for a while I am content with complements and criticism. i learned to take the good with bad and make it all good.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a social worker, I am servant I work with kids and help them flourish and grow. I have to give them the credit tho for making good decisions to change the way they think for their own betterment.
I have my masters degree in Psychology which is very helpful when it comes to using peer reviewed research to perform my many duties, which include parent meetings, doctors visits, couseling sessions and so much more.
My reward is seeing them mature into young adults over time.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes i love inspirational podcasts, videos and books.
I start in the morning I love Bob and Cheri in the morning they are nice people who give great advice.
I listen to various preachers and rely on biblical teachings to make wise decisions and necessary changes in my life that will transcend into my art.
Pricing:
- Portraits start at 300.00
- Art on my page for sale varies from 100 to 1000.00
- Prints vary on my fine art america website and merch is available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRugGbpDUcB/?igsh=MXhpOWsyOW0xeW1zbA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4Edv31Nv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/17en4hKrQf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
