Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Huckins
Hi Shawn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My grandmother passed away in 1993 when I was nine years old. Unknowingly to most of the family, she had a slightly used oil paint set that the family gave to me since I was interested in that sort of thing. Up until that point, I was drawing in my sketch books, so this would be my first time painting. I remember the sweet, chemical smell of the paint, which I enjoyed. But that was the only thing I enjoyed because I had the hardest time working with this new medium. I got extremely frustrated and didn’t paint seriously again until college. There, I was taught the proper way to use and manipulate paint and I fell in love with painting then.
I had a few day jobs after graduating college to pay the bills, but I would always be working on my paintings in my free time; slowly building a body of work. I got some recognition around 2011 with my first gallery showing at Cain Schulte Gallery in San Francisco (which the gallery is no longer in business) and it all started to build from there. I quit my day job in 2012 and have been a professional artist since then.
Alright, 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?
There are stretches of smoothness along the road, but there are always obstacles along the way. Rejection and artist block are the main struggles. Even as a mid-career artist, rejection still stings and artist block still exists. Only way to beat both of them is to keep painting.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m best known for my fusion of recreated historical paintings with contemporary commentary, such as textiles, fabrics, and text to showcase my appreciation of my homeland’s history, all while equally criticizing the nation in a modern millennial fashion. My work contemplates and challenges the culture that surrounds me as I critique politics, the male bravado, social media, and one’s own self.
How do you think about happiness?
Working on my new house. It was recently built and although it’s a ton of work, I enjoy establishing our property. I’ve saved my entire life for this moment and I’m very proud of what my partner and I have created together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shawnhuckins.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawn_huckins/
