Meet Shannon Scates | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Scates and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing I didn’t realize before becoming an artist full-time is how much work needs to be done to be successful outside of painting. So that’s possibly something people don’t know. I spend a lot of time doing “administrative” work, strategizing, connecting with people, looking for opportunities, researching grants, learning how to run a business, taking art-related classes, writing, updating my website and social media, making sure the financials are documented appropriately, keeping track of inventory, archiving my work, placing orders, fulfilling orders, and more!!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m very proud of the leaps of faith I’ve taken over the past year. I moved across the country during a pandemic to pursue my purpose without having all the answers…still don’t have them all lol. BUT GOD!!!

I worked for the federal government for 12 years after college. I was often told by coworkers that I didn’t belong there lol. “When are you going to quit and go do art?” Art was just something I considered a side-hustle/passion for a while. I took many art classes, participated in a number of art shows, and joined art groups. Eventually, it felt like my career was in the way of my passion. I felt like art was only getting left over energy and I decided to take that leap (a calculated risk…I planned for it.).

As far as getting to where I am today… it wasn’t and is not easy. I can’t wait to get to the point where I can hire a team to do a lot of these things I don’t like doing so I can just focus on the art more. I mentioned a long list of SOME of the things I have to do outside of just painting in the previous question, but there’s more and sometimes I don’t feel like doing it…but I have to…because I need shelter and food lol. That’s also the scary but rewarding part of being an entrepreneur because it’s pushing me in ways that I wasn’t being pushed before, when I was comfortable. A lot of things I figured out as I went. I’m still figuring things out right now.

God is why I am where I am. Honestly, everything that I’m doing right now is me just answering the call. This is what He put in me and I’m finally watering it and nurturing it like I should be. This interview could get real long real quick regarding how He has shown up for me during this journey, so I’m going to just say God is GOOD lol. This has been a CHALLENGE indeed. Another thing that is very important to me is community. Having people around me that want the best for me and vice versa is making all the difference. Also…having people around me that are passionate and creative and successful at what they do. I need that energy and inspiration a lot these days. Creating art is also a lonely activity (for me) so I have to make sure I am actively getting out in the world. I also overcome a lot of things with knowledge. If there’s something I don’t know, I’m going to do my best to learn as quick as possible. That could be through books, online courses, conversation, YouTube University, Google, podcasts…however I need to get it.

One lesson I learned is to betray my feelings. If I don’t “feel” like doing something, do it anyway. I procrastinate. Also, being aware of my own seasons. There are going to be times where I am in a flow and I want to paint a lot and times where I just want to be out and explore and they’re both important to my process.

I would like the world to be inspired to heal through my art and brand. I “speak life through art” and I love to create things with vibrant colors and themes that make you feel good when you look at it. I want my art to lift your mood and make whatever space it is in feel like the place to be.

I’m currently working on a new series called ‘Get Your Rest’, which is about me meditating on the subject of rest and what it means to me. I will also be exploring what it means to other people. I want the next couple of series I’m working on to be bigger than the art. I’m excited about the actual art, but I want to create community and inspire conversation around the pieces. I want to bring the themes to life and I’m so excited about where that will go. The first piece from the series will be auctioned at the WACO Wearable Art Gala to help raise funds for the WACO Theater Center. The theater was founded in 2017 by Richard and Tina Knowles Lawson and it “is a performing and visual arts organization that presents, commissions and develops artistic works dedicated to stories of the African diaspora.” I’m very honored to have my art be a part of that. …So we are off to a good start lol. I’m proud of how much intention and love goes into all the things I create and I’m excited to see what the current series I am working on will become.

I also pop up around LA with my art A LOT. I am most consistently at Black Market Flea and Black on the Block. Come say hello if you’re around! The next three pieces in the ‘Get Your Rest’ series will be featured at Civil Coffee in DTLA in October 2022!!!…when I finish them lol. Stay tuned!!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m still discovering LA for myself, but some places I would take them: CAAM, the Rose Garden, the Natural History Museum…I haven’t been to the California Science Center yet but every time I walk past it, I say want to go so maybe that too…it’s all in the same area. LACMA, The Broad, Gallery 90220 (one of my favorite galleries in LA), the beach of course…as many different ones as their trip can fit, LA Arboretum & Botanic Garden (I love that place), the zoo, Runway Boutique LA (amazing), The Plant Chica (the best plants and often hosts community events), Fixins (I’ve been there a lot with a lot of visitors lol), Grand Central Market, Hilltop in Inglewood, The Lazy Rose Café, Civil Coffee, a show at the Hollywood bowl, somebody’s rooftop downtown, murals, hiking, Everyday People (if it’s happening when they’re here) and Black Market Flea and Black on the Block (I’ll probably be working ha) but those events are always a vibe. Oh, and maybe Universal Studios or Disney Land if we’re losing our minds lol…because expensive…but I still like to go.

This is honestly just a list of all the things I like to do lol. Depending on who the friend is, I’d do research and tailor it to what they like. I haven’t even been in LA a year yet (ALMOST), so there’s still much to explore.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost…Thee Creator. He gave me the gifts. My family. They made me. Hey Michele and Sam *waves*…that’s my mom and dad lol. They’ve always encouraged me and that’s where I get a lot of my creative abilities. Shoutout to my brother, Sean, who reminds me that “God responds to bold action.” My friends also encourage, inspire and have shown up for me in tremendous ways. I’m not even about to start naming people lest I forget someone…not setting myself up lol. My art professor in college (whose name I have searched for but sadly cannot remember) …I only took art for one semester. He told me I had a gift and encouraged me to participate in my first art show at North Carolina A&T State University. Aggie Pride!!! It’s been love ever since. Shoutout to Black Girls Who Paint. I learned a lot being a member of that group. Shoutout to everybody who has ever said words of encouragement, bought some art, liked a post…it all matters and means a lot to me. Shoutout to the good people of LA…LA has shown me a lot of love since I moved here. Shoutout to the new friends I’ve made since moving here. Last, but not least, shoutout to Charis Jones aka CharisReese who is the reason I am doing this interview right now. A great friend indeed and always taking every opportunity she can to promote the people around her. Make sure you check out her music (charisjones.com)!!

Website: unparalleledart.com

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