We recently connected with Shawneki Wright and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shawneki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I first realized I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally during a period of personal transformation. Art had always been a part of my life, but I never considered it as a career until I went through a challenging time that pushed me to seek healing and self-expression. In the midst of emotional struggles, I found that creating—whether through music, drawing, painting or even just imagining—offered me a sense of release and peace that nothing else could provide. It became a tool not just for expression, but for understanding myself and the world around me on a deeper level.

Spirituality played a significant role in this realization. As I connected more with my inner self, I began to see art as more than just a form of creativity; it became a way to tap into something greater than myself. Through art, I was able to explore emotions, thoughts, and experiences that felt sacred and healing. It allowed me to communicate with the parts of myself that words couldn’t reach, and I began to understand that there was a deep connection between the act of creating and the journey of spiritual growth.

The healing power of art became clearer the more I leaned into it. As I worked through my own struggles, I started to see how art could serve as a bridge for others going through their own healing journeys. It was a powerful realization: art wasn’t just about creating something beautiful; it was about transformation. The process of making art could help mend the soul, bring clarity, and even foster a sense of wholeness. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue this path professionally—not just to create for myself, but to help others experience that same healing and transformation through creative expression.

From that point on, I felt a sense of purpose and clarity. Art became more than just a passion; it was a calling. I realized that by following this path, I could combine creativity, spirituality, and healing into a powerful practice that could make a real difference in people’s lives, including my own.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Shawneki Wright(they/them , a queer 2-spirit indigenous Black woman and a visual artist currently based in Austin, TX, though I was born and raised in the culturally rich city of New Orleans, Louisiana. My journey into the arts began in 2019, when I turned to painting and illustration as a way to process my own experiences with healing, recovery, and self-discovery. Before then, I had always felt a pull towards creative expression, but it was during a particularly transformative time in my life that I realized art could be more than just a personal outlet—it could be a professional path and a tool for deeper connection with others.

I work with a variety of mediums including acrylic, oil painting, ink, pyrography, and even sound production. My work often takes the form of illustrations, paintings, and mixed-media installations, each piece telling a story that’s deeply rooted in my identity and personal experiences. What sets me apart is that I view art not just as a product to be consumed but as a tool for healing and storytelling. I draw inspiration from my heritage, growing up surrounded by Creole, African, and Indigenous cultures, and my work often speaks to the complexities of the human experience, particularly around themes of identity, healing, and transformation.

For clients and collectors, I offer original artwork and commissioned pieces that carry a sense of emotional depth and cultural resonance. My art isn’t just meant to be looked at—it’s meant to be felt. I believe that art has the power to evoke reflection, promote healing, and inspire transformation, whether it’s through a painting that resonates with someone’s personal journey or a commissioned work that tells a story specific to the client’s own life.

I’m most proud of the ways my work has been able to touch people, especially those who feel a connection to the themes of healing and self-discovery. I’m also proud of my ability to integrate my spirituality and cultural background into my work, which has allowed me to stay authentic to myself while also pushing the boundaries of my practice. What I want people to know about me and my work is that I’m committed to creating art that not only reflects my inner world but also invites others to explore their own. My work is an open invitation to reflect, heal, and connect—both with yourself and the world around you

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving, equitable creative ecosystem, society needs to make a collective effort to acknowledge the value of art and creativity as essential to our cultural, social, and emotional well-being. This means more than just appreciating art—it requires creating an infrastructure that uplifts artists from all walks of life, providing them with the resources, opportunities, and platforms they need to succeed.

First, society can support artists by increasing access to funding and grants, particularly for underrepresented groups such as women, queer, Black, Indigenous, and other artists of color. Many creatives are self-taught or come from marginalized communities where financial barriers often prevent them from pursuing their craft professionally. Public and private sectors should collaborate to create accessible programs that invest in these artists and recognize the importance of diverse voices in shaping culture.

Additionally, education is a key piece of the puzzle. Arts education should be integrated into early schooling, not just as an elective but as a core part of learning that nurtures creativity. This includes providing affordable, ongoing learning opportunities for adults to continue honing their crafts, no matter their background or socioeconomic status. Encouraging partnerships between artists and schools, community organizations, and mentorship programs will help foster the next generation of creators.

Creating an equitable ecosystem also requires us to rethink how art is valued and compensated. Too often, artists are expected to work for exposure or underpaid commissions. Society can help change this by actively supporting fair pay practices, advocating for artists’ labor rights, and ensuring that all artists, regardless of medium or discipline, are compensated fairly for their work. Institutions—galleries, museums, media platforms—should prioritize equitable representation in their programming, ensuring that artists from all communities have equal opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to transform emotions, stories, and spiritual connection into something tangible that others can connect with. When someone resonates with my work—whether it reflects their own journey or provides them with a new perspective—it feels deeply fulfilling. Art has a way of creating a bridge between the internal and external, allowing me to express what words sometimes can’t, allowing spirit to flow through and with me.

Another rewarding part is the personal growth and healing that comes from the creative process. Through making art, I explore and understand my own emotions and experiences on a deeper level, which often leads to self-discovery. There’s something incredibly powerful about the freedom to express myself authentically and visually.

What also sets the artist’s journey apart is the knowledge that your work can inspire, heal, or bring joy to others. Whether it’s helping someone feel seen or offering a moment of reflection, knowing that my creations can have a meaningful impact on someone else is one of the most fulfilling aspects of being creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shawnekiwright.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/shawneki

Image Credits

Natassia Wilde