Conversations with Shanneil Clarke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanneil Clarke.

Hi Shanneil, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I start my journey as an artist at a very early age. Growing up in Jamaica art was always my way to escape my surroundings apart from playing soccer. Art was the one thing that drew attention to me outside of my academics since I was not really that good at playing soccer. After moving to the US in 2000, I started to take more art classes in High School because most of my teachers recommended I do so. After graduating high school I really wanted to venture into the Art world by attending the Art Institution of Philadelphia but because of financial reasons was not able to do so. During 2012 I started to explore using oil paint which I quickly fell in love with and I’ve been using to paint each figure that I’ve created ever since. After moving to Georgia in 2018, I then started to explore the art scene in Atlanta and was that is when I started to receive opportunities to be involved in Artshows and Exhibitions.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To be honest, no it has not been a smooth road. At one point I thought that the work I was creating would not be properly received in the Art world, so it was very difficult for me to show anyone what I was creating at first. I was really creating works of art for more of a therapeutic session. It would take years before I even knew I was able to sell my artwork.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the moment I’m pursuing my dream to becoming a full-time Artist. I’m currently a member of management at Walmart and whenever I’m not at work I try to create time to focus on my craft. As an Artist I specialize in using Oil paint, really love the fact that I’m able to walk away from my work at any period with the ability to come back later and coming with interrupting the process. Lately, I’ve been known more for my collage pieces where I use Fabric, Oil, Acrylic and at times gold leaf to create amazing works of art. I am mostly proud of the fact that I’m becoming more open with sharing my work, small steps are being taken at the moment but its enough to break the shell. I truly believe that with every piece of art that I create I’m placing a part of me within that painting or drawing.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
being humble, always aware of your surroundings and accessibility. Look towards those that can add to your pursuit to bettering yourself and keeping quality support around you at all times.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssac_art/