We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rhonda Shaw a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rhonda, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
How did you learn to do what you do? I actually taught myself how to paint. I am still in the learning process. I painted and learned new techniques by trial and error, YouTube and speaking with other artists. I wish I would’ve started painting a long time ago, like before 2013. I think I would be a pro by now. As far as teaching others in my paint parties/classes, well that came easy because I taught myself, so I could understand the fear of doing something you’ve never done. The most essential skills is patience. You have to be patient with yourself, your brush, your creativity. Creating takes time, and teaching yourself, building your skillset takes time as well. As far as paint parties- you have to be patient with everyone, as they are the students.
The obstacles that have stood in my way have mainly been time. I’m a mother, I work a full time job, and I run a business. I believe if I had more time to paint, I could perfect my craft more.
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 a self taught artist, born and raised in Nashville TN. I’m a single mom of an awesome young man (Jayden) who I am building an empire for. I love God, and the people He has placed in my life. I am the owner, and operator of The Moving Canvas Mobile Paint Party, and the creator of all Artbyrhonda products and merchandise The Moving Canvas is a mobile Paint Party, in which I create a painting/ theme, bring all painting supplies (paint, pre drawn canvases, brushes, easels, pallets, aprons, etc and throw a paint party. I instruct on a personable level, which is more intimate because I am in your home/ space surrounded by you and your loved ones, family, friends, coworkers, etc. I also and the creator of Artbyrhonda products and merchandise, in which I am a freelance artist/ painter. I do commissioned paintings as well as custom art merchandise like tshirts, totes, coffee mugs and wine glasses, just to name a few.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I started The Moving Canvas is April of 2017. A friend of mine asked me to host a sip and paint for her birthday so I did. I drew 10 flowers on canvases, brought paint, brushes, easels and aprons, instructed and painted along with them to create their own flower. We took pics, and posted them, not knowing anyone else would want to do the same thing in their own home, and the rest is history
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to have everyone creating and painting because I know they can! I love showing people that everyone has an artist inside of them. There are people that would never pick up a paint brush in their lives if I didn’t bring it to them, and show them that they are creators, artists, and that art is anything you create, not necessarily what the world sees. I’m motivated by my clients. Especially the kids. They keep me going. A Lot of kids are grown up not even realizing the importance of art. That’s sad, and I want to change that because art and creativity gives purpose. Just knowing I assisted in helping them create their very own masterpiece that they can take home and be proud of is everything to me. Creating for people, bringing their vision to life is every artist’s dream. To start with a blank canvas, and make it flourish.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artbyrhonda.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/artbyrhonda
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMovingCanvas/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-shaw
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/the-moving-canvas-nashville
Image Credits
Victoria Marie Photography