Today we’d like to introduce you to LaShonda Cooks.
Hi LaShonda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am the eldest daughter of an art teacher and a photographer/musician. From an early age I loved to draw and sketch. I have always been very curious about the world around me: I collected rocks, had a bird whistle that imitated different bird calls and loved exploring nature. I created my own dolls using rubber bands and other random objects and learned to sew my own dolls with my church’s sewing circle. I was in the talented and gifted program in elementary school and Odyssey of the Mind, both of which allowed me to be weird and lean into creativity. I also liked writing short stories and illustrating them with my own characters from my imagination. I wrote and illustrated my first book in the 4th grade.
As I grew, I pivoted a bit to things that I felt were more lucrative and wanted to learn how to start my own businesses. This led me to a high school in Dallas that specialized in the business management and a college in Boston that is the best of its kind in entrepreneurship. Once I returned to my Dallas roots to begin my career I faced a crossroads. I wanted to merge my creativity and business sense to enter a marketing career but faced some trouble getting into that world. In the meantime, I worked retail at Ann Taylor to build my professional closet, became a journalist for The Dallas Examiner when a college friend reminded me of how much I enjoyed writing and how talented I could be in that area. The clothes from Ann Taylor became so handy as I interviewed city council members, board members for school districts, mayoral candidates and beyond and digested the encounters and information into bite-sized entertaining articles that spread the word on important updates and changes affecting our communities.
To unwind between work hours and gigs, I painted. It became my happy space. No matter what happened around me creating became a constant source of joy and peace. My family and friends noticed and urged me to share my creations with the world. After a ton of nudges I decided to see if I could start in my church community. I asked if I could set up a table in the foyer at my childhood church in 2014. My dad called our bishop and first lady to inquire for me. The next Sunday I was asked to come back to the office to show some of my creations. With my Bishop’s approval and endorsement I began setting up a table and selling after church that day. Over 11 years and infinite paintings, shows and sales later, I am so grateful for my community and village for their unwavering support.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The artist’s road ebbs, flows, twists and turns. To battle creative block I’ve learned to write down ideas as soon as they come to me. I wake up and reach for my phone or a pen and paper in the middle of the night to capture an epiphany or vision because I realize the more I trust and am thankful for these gems, the more freely they flow. I also have to make sure my heart is grounded. It’s easy to look around at everyone else’s highlights and wins and yearn for more. We are each on our own creative journey. That means every gallery, show or collector will connect differently to each artist’s work. Every route is different and unique. That has helped me stay the course over the past eleven years. Gratitude and savoring each win instead of pressing towards the next one insatiably is what has sustained me. My faith in God is also grounding. When I realized that everything is working for my good and even the nos are guidance and protection, bouncing back from disappointment becomes much easier.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Shonda’s Art?
I remember years ago trying to come up with a business name and my good friend simply said “Shonda’s Art.” I rolled with it and never looked back. My art creates paintings, moments and experiences for others. I specialize in live painting for events. It’s such an adrenaline rush and perfect for me as a former performer and quick painter. I was in the school’s theater group in college and enjoyed escaping into different costumes, worlds and times on stage as a background cast member. In some ways it’s the same when live painting. I’m normally adding to the flow and background ambience of an event or occasion.
I also host workshops through the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. I wanted to replicate the safe space I experienced in the ceramic studio at my college, where I would drop in and let all my worries and problem melt away. I’ve been able to host free workshops in my neighborhood and beyond thanks to support from local businesses, governments and museums. It’s truly nourishing and a dream come true.
I also create custom artwork for clients in my signature painting style and colors by using their vision and subject matter either with digital designs or more traditional paint.
My personal work explores identity through my own story and important moments while looking at how our sense of self is constructed over time. Those pieces are available for sale as originals and prints on my website.
What matters most to you?
Community is most important to me. It is what I explore and dissect in my creations. It is what I invest in through free workshops and making time for connection with fellow creatives and beyond. It is what will last long beyond any accolade or sale.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,shondasart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shondasart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shondasart/
- Other: tiktok: shondasart07
Image Credits
Cover Photo: Weyni Kahsay
