Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendell Supreme Shannon.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Even though I’ve always been a fan of art I never saw myself as an artist. In fact, I aspired to be a lawyer. It wasn’t until my sophomore year at Morgan State that my fate took a turn for the worse. For two years I lost the use of my hands after being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease. During this period, I used art supplies as physical therapy to improve my dexterity. Soon after art became my form of therapy as a young man looking for ways to express himself through life’s obstacles. Combining my education with my newfound passion of creating art I started my first business — Solely Supreme LLC. Over the last 10 years, I’ve created signature geometric works of art in every form from fashion to fine art, showcasing works in national fairs such as Art Basel, the Harlem Fine Arts Show, and Baltimore’s very own Artscape. In recent years I’ve focused more on community-based projects and partnerships to encourage arts and entrepreneurship to the youth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Challenges I’ve faced were both internal and external. On one front I’m a perfectionist, which shows in my work. This ultimately led me to have extremely high expectations for myself and I would become hyper-focused until I reached a goal. As life progressed, I found less time to create and a loss of inspiration while attempting to balance business, family, social life, and creativity.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create vibrant geometric abstract work which use color and motion to promote energy and positivity. I’m known for large-scale murals and paintings as well as constantly pouring my resources back into the community. I’m most proud of the example I set for my son, Supreme. By not giving up on my dream I’m showing him what determination, passion, and fortitude will result in. If I accomplish nothing else, I’m beyond grateful. One day it will be my turn to support him and his dream just as my parents, and my foundation has. My hope is that any and everyone can learn from my story and resonate with all it took to create my work.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
As a child, I was certainly creative, super-social, and full of wit. I can recall at the age of 8 building a tent city with blankets, nailing them to the wall as a solution to keep them from falling. Life was always full of travel. After moving back and forth to and from Baltimore / New York travel became second nature. I was always curious by way of exploration and adventure and it now is one of my favorite influences/inspirations in my work.
Pricing:
- Original Painting – $500-$10,000
- Murals – $2,500 – $10,000
- Artist Development – $1,000 +
- Speaking Engagements – $500
- Prints – $25- $200
Contact Info:
- Email: SolelySupremeArtwork@yahoo.com
- Website: www.SolelySupreme.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/solelysupreme
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solelysupreme
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/solelysupreme
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC08VA5dfoPyga9ZoM5MmXrw
