We recently connected with Shardaya Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Shardaya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
One of my earliest childhood memories is a dream and revelatory moment as an artist. As a little girl, I constantly dreamed I was in a white room filled with nothing but shapes of color, and at that moment, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I have always been a dreamer or one to have their “head in the clouds,” so becoming an artist was not unrealistic for me or my faith. I have encountered many pivotal moments that assure me of this path as a professional artist. One occurred while painting live during church, the comforting feeling of peace sweeping over me as I painted and my work’s effect on all it encounters.
Shardaya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a woman of faith, I create abstract paintings drawn from spirituality and the experience color & form create. Rooted in the idea of a Creator and the reflection of transcendence, I create visual experiences to impact lives “one canvas at a time.” My vision is to shift people’s perspectives concerning art + faith.
As an African American artist born and raised in Rand, West Virginia, based in Atlanta, GA, my artistic practice continues to expand the perimeters of arts & culture. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting with a minor in Art History from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, GA. I recently completed my Master of Fine Arts in Painting at the Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta, GA. While at SCAD, my work was displayed on the digital screens outside the Atlanta campus! I have had the opportunity to exhibit nationally & virtually, including shows at the Bobick Gallery in Carrollton, GA, Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta, GA, Rek Gallery in Tucker, GA, and Black Girls Who Paint in Washington, D.C. I was privileged to be interviewed for her creative practice by VoyageATL magazine in 2022. In May, I had my second solo exhibition and thesis, The Doors of the Church Are Open, at the Emma Darnell Aviation Museum & Conference Center. I was curated to paint live for various organizations and religious institutions across Metro Atlanta, including Embassy City Church, New Life Cathedral IFC, and Paint on Purpose, Inc. As a lover of color and woman of faith, I see color as an experience and spiritual agent!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being an artist is purposeful for me, and I love having the freedom to tell a story and create an experience through color and form! It’s rewarding to see the impact my paintings have on viewers and the feelings each piece created.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Support your local artists in every way possible. Though, as artists, many of us want our work sold and collected, support also looks like encouragement and sharing our work on social media platforms or showing up for art exhibitions. It can be challenging as a full-time artist, but having a secure support system helps us to maintain our passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shardayajones.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shardayajones/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shardaya-jones-m-f-a-8a0080197/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKIhvMEvpuJAVgjylFP4_Iw
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shardayaj?lang=en
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Photographed by Samuel Hina Jr.