Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Stewart.
Shawn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a self-taught artist that hails from the city if Dayton, oh. My story is a short one, but it’s filled with leaps and bounds of growth. It all started in 2017. I needed artwork for my new apartment. At the time, I had never painted a thing in my life. I reached out to a childhood friend of mines who is also an artist to inquire about what the price tag for such a thing would be. After hearing the price, I realized that it was above my means at the time. The next morning I awoke with an idea. An idea that would change my life forever. I thought to myself self “how hard can this painting thing be”, and with that idea along with the tenacity of a Taurus, I took the time to create three pieces for my home. Afterwards, I felt an unfamiliar sensation to create again. A sensation that had been long forgotten along with my 8th-grade sketches of batman. 2 years and 11 months later, I have Holistically immersed my self in the world of the creative. For me, art is considered a great escape. It gives me the opportunity to step out of my tough and rugged facade I’ve created as protection from the world. I can be and create what the farthest reaches on my imagination have to offer.
I find profound beauty in humanity, which is why my subjects often aren’t recognizable figures. I think the common man or woman that has been shaped and molded by their experiences in life are far my beautiful than any public figure. Since my move to Atlanta, which was two and a half years ago, I have displayed at countless art shows and pop-ups. I have displayed at award ceremonies, red carpet events, and even some live painting for the mayor of forest park. I’ve done commissioned art for celebrities, and recently placed four new pieces of two chains and the migos in the trap music museum. I feel being a self-taught artist gives me the ability to see the art world through a unique lens. Not chained down by any ideas of technique or uniformity. I create simply in Hope’s that people will see my art as a beacon of hope in this cruel and chaotic world.
Great, 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?
Well, one of this biggest obstacles of being a self-taught artist is that you are learning everything as you go. What mediums to use, different brushes, different techniques, the basic structure of a completed piece. All things I had to teach myself. But i find that my journey is so much more valuable for it. There are people who would rather see you sink than swim as well. Fellow artist that refuse to pass on knowledge, or even attempt to discredit you as an artist. Attempting to navigate the world of gallery at is a trial.in its self.if you dont know anything about it. Trying to find galleries that display ” your kind of art”. And lastly trying to work a 9 to 5 on top of all of that.
Please tell us about The Element of Art.
My business, the Element of art specializes in the customization of dreams and ideas. Simply because I am attempting to customize my own dreams as well. It is mostly known for quick turn around commissioned portraits as well as custom graphic and fine art. Anything from logos, to fashion designs. I am truly proud of the amount of growth my business has seen in such a short period of time. Every year our earnings as well as the demand of service seem to double in growth. I think the thing that sets us apart hear at The Element as well like to call it, is that we are genuine, salt of the earth people who love to create, not for profit, but to see dreams realized.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood would be the days after school that me, my best friend Shomari, and my other friends would roam the neighborhood as elementary kids together. Some of us couldnt go home, some of us didn’t have a home to go to. Some of us had no food in the home. But during that time we were together, life was simple and we could lean and rely on each other, the way true friends can.
Pricing:
- Polished onyx- (.medium/ Acrylic) $10,0000
Contact Info:
- Phone: 9377829352
- Email: Sstewar5.ss@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the1theycallstu/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/shawn.s.stewart?tsid=0.13655016596732006&source=result
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