We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shawn Stewart. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shawn below.

Shawn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

I hope to leave a legacy that shows and proves that you don’t have to be a traditionally trained artist to  have success in the Art world. There are several different tools available that can aid you in your journey  as self-taught artist. These tools can range from books, YouTube videos, live sketching classes, or even  other established artist you’ve met along the way. You must possess the discipline, consistency, and  drive it will take to continue to grow and evolve. Be sure to Create and Maintain relationships with like minded individuals in the industry, and most importantly be brave and create! 

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

In 2017, I settled into a new home and realized my bare walls could use some art. I reached out to a  childhood friend of mines who just so happened to be an up-and-coming artist himself. After a brief  discussion concerning pricing, I realized that a commissioned piece at the time would be above my  means. The next morning, I awoke with an idea. An idea that would change my life forever. I thought to  myself “how hard can this painting thing be?” so I paid the local craft store a visit, and for the first time  created three original works of art. After painting those pieces, I felt a very familiar sensation to create  again. A sensation that had been long forgotten along with my childhood sketches of superheroes. Fast  forwarding to the present, I’ve holistically immersed myself in the world of Fine Art. 

I’m Continuously learning and teaching myself how to navigate the subtle nuances of becoming an artist  in all aspects. I Specialize in Portrait & Photo realism art. For me, art has been more of an internal  journey. Affording me the opportunity to create using the farthest depths of my imagination. 

I find a profound beauty in humanity and love how it manifests in my work. Using facial features, facial expressions, anatomy, and body language as a catalyst for nonverbal communication. This allows the viewer to have a very personal and unique conversation with the art. Also, it gives them the opportunity  to conceptually draw their own narrative. I feel being a self-taught artist affords me the ability to see the world of art through an unfiltered lens. I do not feel tethered to any ideas of technique or uniformity. I  simply create in the hope that people will be able to connect with my work on a humane level that  inspires unity. 

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A few months back, I was commissioned to create a portrait of Shaq by his PR team. This would be the  opportunity of a lifetime for me. Shaq had always been a hero of mines as an athlete, and as a  household name. His Team wanted me to create the portrait and present it to him personally at his  birthday party the following week. I was honored and truly excited about the opportunity just to meet 

him. The same day that I received the commission request I broke my hand in a basketball game that  night. To make things worse, it was the hand I used to paint. Just like that I saw the biggest opportunity  I’ve ever had as an artist slipping away. I went to my hand doctor, to see how bad the brake really was.  It was bad enough to require a cast to my dismay. In that moment I decided that I would be the master  of my own fate. Nothing would stand in my way of reaching out and ceasing my destiny. Not even a  broken hand. With only the dexterity of my thumb, index finger, and middle finger, I painstakingly  created a life like portrait of the basketball great. Cast and all. Also meeting the one-week deadline I had  been presented with. 

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the opportunity to share my vision with the world.  having the ability to create artwork that can inspire, motivate, and emotionally touch people has always  been my goal. I want people to be able to genuinely connect with my work. Weather that be a fond  memory of loved one that has passed away, or vivid imagery that takes them on a journey of  imagination. The non-verbal conversation a viewer has with my work will always be the greatest reward  of being an artist for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the1theycallstu/