We recently connected with Shelly Floyd and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shelly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

One of the things I do differently is the tools I use to create my art. Instead of traditional painting tools, I use implements my grandmother once used to decorate wedding cakes—palette knives, piping bags, and piping tips. My grandmother’s cakes were works of art, full of intricate textures and beautiful detail, and those memories have shaped how I approach my own creative process.

In an industry where precision brushes and smooth finishes often dominate, I embrace texture as an essential part of my work. I weave layers of paint to create tactile, dimensional pieces that invite viewers not just to see, but to feel the art—emotionally and visually.

This difference matters because it makes my work uniquely personal and relatable. The same tools that once brought joy to family celebrations now help me create art that connects with people during their own moments—whether they’re celebrating life’s beauty or seeking comfort during a tough time. It’s my way of honoring my grandmother’s legacy while offering something fresh and distinctive to the art world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Shelly Floyd, a contemporary abstract artist specializing in textured, woven paintings that blend bold, bright colors with intricate details. My journey into art started when I was very young watching my grandmother, who was a talented baker. She created stunning wedding cakes, using palette knives, piping bags, and tips to add layers of beautiful texture. Watching her turn something ordinary into art inspired me to explore creativity in my own way. Today, I use those very same tools to bring a sense of energy, emotion, and connection into my paintings.

My work stands out because I embrace texture as more than just a visual element—it’s something you can feel. I weave layers of paint to create art that invites the viewer to slow down, lean in, and connect with both the piece and themselves. Each painting is a balance of calm and energy, meant to elevate spaces and evoke a sense of joy, hope, or reflection.

The biggest problem I solve for my clients is helping them transform uninspired spaces into meaningful, uplifting environments. I believe that art isn’t just decoration—it’s a way to tell a story, to set a mood, and to create a sanctuary where people can feel more like themselves. Whether it’s through bold color or beautiful texture, my goal is to create pieces that bring life and personality to a room.

What I’m most proud of is staying true to my vision and my unconventional process. I’m not following trends; I’m weaving stories into every painting, honoring my grandmother’s legacy, and creating something deeply personal yet universally relatable. I want potential collectors and followers to know that my work isn’t just about paint on canvas—it’s about emotion, energy, and connection.

Whether it’s brightening a home, providing comfort during a challenging time, or inspiring someone to see art in a new way, my paintings are designed to be felt as much as they are seen. I’m so grateful to share this journey and look forward to connecting with those who resonate with my art.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was that art has to fit a certain mold to be ‘good’ or ‘valuable.’ Early in my journey as an artist, I felt pressure to conform to what I thought people wanted—traditional tools, familiar styles, and polished perfection. I believed that success meant creating work that looked like everyone else’s.

The turning point came when I reconnected with my grandmother’s influence. She was a baker who crafted stunning intricate cakes, using palette knives and piping bags to create big beautiful textures. Watching her work as a child, I never thought about perfection—I only saw beauty, love, and a unique approach to her craft. That memory reminded me that art isn’t about fitting in; it’s about telling your story and sharing your perspective, no matter how different it looks.

So, I picked up the same tools my grandmother once used and began creating textured, woven paintings that were anything but conventional. I leaned into what felt right for me—bold colors, tactile layers, and a process that honored my roots.

Unlearning the need to conform freed me to create authentically, and that’s when I discovered the real value of my art: connection. People resonate with the texture, the boldness, and the story behind each piece. It taught me that the most meaningful art comes from being true to yourself, not from following a formula. That’s a lesson I carry with me every day in the studio.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with my clients and foster brand loyalty by focusing on genuine, ongoing relationships rather than just one-time transactions. For me, art is about connection, and that connection doesn’t end once a painting finds its home.

First, I prioritize personal touches. Whether it’s sending a handwritten note with a purchase, sharing the story behind the painting, or following up to hear how the piece has impacted their space, I want my clients to feel seen and valued. I love hearing how a painting has brought joy or meaning to their lives—it reminds me why I create.

I also stay engaged through social media and email, where I share behind-the-scenes glimpses of my process, studio life, and the inspiration behind my work. By being transparent and personal, I invite my audience into my journey and make them feel like they’re part of it. This helps foster trust and keeps the conversation open.

Another key way I nurture loyalty is by offering exclusives, like sneak peeks of upcoming collections, priority access to commissions, or special updates tailored to my collectors. This makes them feel like part of my inner circle and deepens that sense of connection.

Ultimately, I focus on building a community around my art. It’s not just about the paintings—it’s about creating a shared experience where my clients feel like their stories and spaces are part of something bigger. That emotional connection keeps people coming back, and I’m so grateful for it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://floydartgallery.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/floydartgallery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shellyfloydart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellyfloyd
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShellyFloydArt