We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shawn Saumell. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Shawn, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Intelligence, energy, and integrity are all difficult to rank in order of importance. Equally, it is difficult to separate one another. They are codependent of each other. Intelligence is difficult to maintain without energy. Furthermore, intelligence seemingly has no value without integrity. Each has its own role and sense of importance.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I wear many hats, including but not limited to: artist, photographer, professor, and father of two young daughters. My photography company, KLIK LLC, offers many photography services and solutions for a wide variety of clients. Whereas, my fine art seems to incorporate photography in about 85% or more of my projects, shown in galleries and museums around the world. Teaching art history and photography studio courses at colleges in the Dallas area is rewarding to see students grow in knowledge and skills to further their humanity and careers. The foundation of my life though, are my amazing daughters.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Having children not only changed me as a person, it also changed my artwork. The way that I live, how I think, and my expressions are more positive, self-aware, and intentional. There appears to be a dramatic shift in my aesthetic.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been many times that I’ve considered giving up. When I was married, my wife constantly pushed me to stop photography and fine art in exchange for a full-time corporate job. In other instances, when the market or economy shifts and finances dry-up, it feels defeating. However, no matter what occurs in life, I have never quit. I have been curious and creative my whole life. Creating visual expressions will continue as long as I’m alive. It’s not a choice. It’s part of who I am designed to be.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Over the past year or two, the prediction that AI will replace all photography and fine art has become louder and more prevalent. This is rooted in some truth. AI has replaced many areas of photography. However, portraits, events, and some other genre are still secure, as these people and moments cannot be fabricated. Similarly, in the art world, AI has made its footprint, but it’s not winning over human expression. There’s something hollow about something created 100% by AI. On the flip side, I’m not an adversary to AI. I believe that AI is a powerful tool that can further both of these areas if used responsibly and articulately.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I’ll be survived by my daughters and their children for generations. My legacy of artwork will also survive through private and public collections. Photographs of faces, places, and events will also continue through time. Through these and other aspects, I hope that people continue to tell stories of how kind and loving I was; how I tried to find and give peace; how I loved to teach and help people. I hope people recall how dependable I was and how I served those around me in various capacities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shawnsaumell.com/
- Instagram: @shawn_saumell
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnsaumell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShawnSaumell/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shawn_Saumell
