Life & Work with Paige Short

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Short.

Hi Paige, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a graduate from the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia with a BFA concentration in drawing. While I have been interested in art my whole life, I started becoming seriously interested in high school and from there became dedicated to it. I have always had a deep interest in fantastical elements and nature as a whole, much of which is depicted in my pieces. Today, I continue my work while also doing commissions, exhibitions, and various festivals and pop-up markets. Currently, I am looking to obtaining a degree to go into teaching art going into 2023.

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?
It is always so interesting and motivating for me to look back to where I started, and see how far I have come to get to where I am now, and know that I am still constantly improving and pushing and moving forward toward expanding my boundaries and growing as an artist. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the road I’ve been on, what with connecting with others and being met with so much support along the way, for which I am so constantly grateful for.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Much of my work seeks to depict subjects in a dreamlike manner surrounded by decorative representations of natural aspects largely to portray surreal, supernatural beings or personify symbolism, concepts or other nonhuman objects in a way that brings them to life as a human form. Often, I use natural and floral imagery as a way to adorn the illustrations for aesthetic purposes while also utilizing the meanings that these details hold to further add to the overall mood of each piece. By drawing these portraits in such a way, the viewer is drawn in and captivated by the individual, wanting to know their story.

I work with dry media, mainly colored pencils, markers, soft pastels, and pens. My work varies from portraits to natural subjects featuring various flora and fauna to fantasy elements and mythical creatures depicted in a whimsical manner.

Any big plans?
As of right now, I continue to keep growing my portfolio and putting my name out there to be featured in more magazines or exhibitions and also continue to do commissions, as well as sell my artwork and prints at different festivals and pop-ups that come up. Along with this, I am planning to start the journey toward becoming a certified art teacher.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paigeshort.wixsite.com/paigeshortart
• Instagram: p.aige.short