Today we’d like to introduce you to Shay Chenette.
Hi Shay, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Arts, in general, has been a part of my life for as far back as I can remember, my mother is still an avid art collector and she taught me early the importance of art and building generational wealth through collecting art. Painting and sketching has been a consistent factor in my life, in college I remember painting a picture for every roommate on our dormitory wing. Even though I had no clue of the basics and was studying Biology pre-medicine at the time, I still found time to create and my dorm mates asked for pieces, many have told me they still have those pieces on display in their homes. In 2015, I launched a custom merchandise brand with art at the center. However; the events of 2020 were life-changing for many including myself. But some light did shine though, when customers could not purchase toilet paper and store shelves were empty, I noticed they were still purchasing my paintings. This support and reception encouraged me to focus on traditional art and step away from customizing shoes and backpacks for the business. That has been my focus since and boy has it evolved, I am now a professional artist, and the summer of 2020 brought out the passion and focus for me and has given me a chance to provide so many clients since them with art and portraits that speak to their soul. I am grateful.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The greatest opposition to creativity can be conformity for artists. Finding inspiration, maintaining it, and having the time to execute the thoughts are a challenge within itself. I have found myself overwhelmed with inspiration but severely lacking in time to bring it to life. I am currently being reviewed for several art residencies, to be able to step away from the rat race and just have time to create id an indulgence that every artist should take in their lifetime. Finding balance in the work/life/create dynamic is truly a balancing act. Lately, I have been incorporating the symbol of triangles into my art and designs as for this very reason. The triangles represent a personal reminder for myself and others to stay in balance. Each vertices of the triangle points to the three most import priorities in my life and I use this as a compass, a guiding force to help me stay balanced.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a multidisciplinary visual and performance artist. With a heavy mission of connecting the African Diaspora through art. I capture moments that are relevant to our culture, our history, and even our struggles. Anyone can find enjoyment in my art regardless of ethnicity or race. I focus primarily on portraits and figures to convey a message. I love adding Easter eggs into my pieces that causes the viewer to consider my works on different levels, to find the message of the piece it gradually. As a retired dancer/choreographer, I have found myself drawn to sharing the creative process of painting as visual entertainment. When I paint at home, in my studio I naturally play music, laugh, and dance all over the place while creating. It is quite a good time. Speed painting and performance art has given me a way to connect with my audience and pull them into my creative process in a fun and unusually entertaining way.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Every artist should ensure that they have a tribe and connect with each other as much as possible, it is vital in this industry. I have connected with so many artists and creatives through social media and just being out on the art circuits in Dallas. The internet makes it possible for me to video paint and chat with artists all over the globe, just because we have this mutually bond of loving art that ties us together. The Respect the artist group known as RTA on Instagram has been very helpful in building my confidence as an artist early on in my career. I am a founding member of an accountability and art collective group, Artists Needed on Facebook, under the founder Chris Houston. This group of visionary established artists has been a crucial factor in my growth and professional aptitude. Each individual creative brings expert information to the group and we all work together to make sure everyone meets their goals on a weekly basis. The experience has been priceless. I am grateful for this tribe.
Pricing:
- Performance art /Speed painting Bookings – $500
- Portrait Commissions Begin at -$150.
- Family Portrait commissions start at -$350
Contact Info:
- Email: Shaychenette@gmail.com
- Website: www.shaychenette.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Shaychenette
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Shaychenette
Image Credits
@Eyecreatereality
Cory Moore
