Artist Spotlight: Shawn Wade
Artist Spotlight: Shawn Wade
If you follow Louisville Visual Arts, you may have seen Shawn Wade’s takeover of LVA’s social media for their #TakeoverTuesday last week. But did you know Shawn’s also a recent addition to the Mellwood artist community?
Growing up, Shawn was surrounded by artists, with several women in their family actively engaged in making art; it was only natural they would be artistically inclined as well. At a young age, drawing and sketching were among their favorite activities. As they got older, Shawn sketched and painted portraits, often of celebrities. As a kid, Shawn didn’t have access to traditional art supplies and would work with whatever they could get ahold of, including some unconventional media like dirt, gravel, charcoal briquettes, and makeup and beauty supplies. Once they were old enough to start working, Shawn was able to buy their own supplies. Shawn usually uses acrylics and paints on any surface they can. Paper, walls, and thrift store clothing are but a few of the canvases for their creations.
In 2015, Shawn’s father passed away following health complications. This loss highlighted how unexpected and brief life can be, further cementing the importance of leading a fulfilling life. For Shawn, that meant making art and helping others. Starting out, Shawn used art to help people cope with loss; they painted portraits of people who passed away to give to surviving family members. As they grew in their art, Shawn got involved with IDEAS xLab, having worked with the Our Emotional Wellbeing program and contributed to the “Belonging Through Creative Arts” activity book.
For Shawn, art is storytelling. Often, Shawn starts with a sketch to get the details of the story down before painting anything. Shawn takes what they see online, in the media, and in life and incorporates it into their art. Shawn regularly tries to highlight the light in the darkness and bring hope and inspiration to those in need of it. To see more of Shawn’s work, be sure to check out their Facebook page at Artistry of a Dreamer or on Instagram at @artistry_of_a_dreamer.
If you follow Louisville Visual Arts, you may have seen Shawn Wade’s takeover of LVA’s social media for their #TakeoverTuesday last week. But did you know Shawn’s also a recent addition to the Mellwood artist community?
Growing up, Shawn was surrounded by artists, with several women in their family actively engaged in making art; it was only natural they would be artistically inclined as well. At a young age, drawing and sketching were among their favorite activities. As they got older, Shawn sketched and painted portraits, often of celebrities. As a kid, Shawn didn’t have access to traditional art supplies and would work with whatever they could get ahold of, including some unconventional media like dirt, gravel, charcoal briquettes, and makeup and beauty supplies. Once they were old enough to start working, Shawn was able to buy their own supplies. Shawn usually uses acrylics and paints on any surface they can. Paper, walls, and thrift store clothing are but a few of the canvases for their creations.
In 2015, Shawn’s father passed away following health complications. This loss highlighted how unexpected and brief life can be, further cementing the importance of leading a fulfilling life. For Shawn, that meant making art and helping others. Starting out, Shawn used art to help people cope with loss; they painted portraits of people who passed away to give to surviving family members. As they grew in their art, Shawn got involved with IDEAS xLab, having worked with the Our Emotional Wellbeing program and contributed to the “Belonging Through Creative Arts” activity book.
For Shawn, art is storytelling. Often, Shawn starts with a sketch to get the details of the story down before painting anything. Shawn takes what they see online, in the media, and in life and incorporates it into their art. Shawn regularly tries to highlight the light in the darkness and bring hope and inspiration to those in need of it. To see more of Shawn’s work, be sure to check out their Facebook page at Artistry of a Dreamer or on Instagram at @artistry_of_a_dreamer.