Shante' Young
Artist Statement: I am an artist that enjoys creating pieces of artwork that emphasizes expression. I am inspired by subjects dealing specifically with everyday people in common daily settings. I like to capture moments in time that most people would consider less likely desirable. My artwork has a realistic style but a raw edge. When I create a piece of art my intention is to tell a story by capture feelings and emotions and when creating figurative abstract art.
My Influences:
I feel a connection with artists such as Charles White because his drawings and paintings affirm the humanity and beauty of African American people and culture. Common subjects of his artwork include scenes depicting African American history in the United States, socio-economic struggles, human relationships, and portraits. I am also inspired by revolutionary Afrocobra Artists Wadsworth Jarrell and Barbara Jones Hogu. They believed that their art must communicate to its viewer a statement of truth, of action, of education, of conditions and the state of being an African American during that time. They spoke to and for blacks by expressing common thoughts, feelings, trials and tribulations that existed in the black community. There is a common thread inside of me to engage myself as an artist such as the artists I mentioned.
Shante's self-published book:
"Black Girls Don't Paint"
Artist Handbook
Available on Amazon
Her inspiring story of being an artist in a time when art was not a career choice and tips for artists that need direction or to reflect.
Pursuing a career in art is not a means to an end. Art is such a broad field with many options beyond anyone’s imagination. Choosing a career in the art field has its advantages as well as its challenges. It is not easy choosing a career in the art field because generally it is considered a dying field. But the misconception of how art is viewed can be very broad. If art did not exist, the majority of the products that we all buy would not have labels on them and they may not be available to the masses through advertisement. There would be no way to get the word out, and there would be no way to emphasize additional features on certain products to draw the buyer in. Computer graphics, animations, and computer games have taken the world by storm. But yet some people in society still believes it is unreasonable to obtain a college education or pursue a career in the art field. Art can be used to get a point accross when reaches the masses and to create something beautiful and unique that can change the world.
It takes true visionaries with tough skin to choose a career in art. It is doubly harder for a minority because most of the time art is something that mayge unheard of used in our community to reach the masses. For most minorities, being an artist or choosing a career in the field can be a constant reminder of what it means to be different. There are examples of real-life situations as well as the methods used to overcome the mental challenges of being an artist, as well as being different in this handbook. There are also tips on how to start the creative process, methods of how to develop a solid portfolio, and marketing tips. With the proper business plan, sweat equity, and a solid portfolio, the sky is the limit. Persistence with a little talent can go a long way. The demand of products or art created for and by minorities is limited and very necessary. This handbook will not only help inspire people of color to pursue a career in the art field but provide resources that they can refer to when pursuing their creative endeavors.