Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayn Green.
Shayn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina and art has always been a huge part of my life. As a child I would draw the characters that were on my cereal boxes or in my favorite TV shows and that really sparked my love for art. Growing up there was an abundance of black artwork, entertainment, and music in our home. As I got older and started to spend more time in public spaces, I realized having that level of representation and comfort was very scarce. I felt that a large portion of the representation we did receive was mostly centered around black trauma and hardship. Although I feel there should be space held for those stories, it is only a fraction of what we are. These life experiences caused me to think deeply about ways I could express my feelings through my artwork. After I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.A. in Media Arts, which focused on illustration, animation, and screenwriting, I further developed my skills and love for portraiture. I continued to hone my skills and started my own art business where I’ve been able to share my portrait pieces with others. This led me to be the North Charleston Arts Department’s first artist in residence and present my work in the community that I grew up in. I was able to share my work that celebrates black beauty with other black people and make them feel seen in a space they may not have imagined before. Over a year and a half ago I moved to Baltimore, Maryland to explore its artistic culture, share my artwork, and to surround myself with people like me. I have been able to meet some amazing and talented people and truly fall in love with Baltimore’s creative and welcoming vibe.
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?
My journey as a black and queer artist has definitely not been a smooth road but I am extremely grateful and proud of everything I have been able to accomplish thus far. Some of the challenges I have experienced include a lack of time/space to create, economic issues, and burnout. There have been times where I’ve had to balance working full time to provide for myself, taking care of my other responsibilities, and having the time to sit down and create. There have also been times where I may have had more time to create but lacked the funds and/or energy to work on large scale detailed projects. I also feel there are a lot of times where it is more challenging for black people and other minorities to receive certain opportunities to present their work, make a comfortable living, and/or have the capacity to do so due discrimination, prejudice, or racial imbalance. In certain areas or situations it may be more challenging to have your basic needs met, be considered for grant or residency opportunities, secure housing or secure job opportunities. This can make it more difficult to further yourself as an artist, business owner, and person in this country. The way I’ve been able to overcome some of these challenges is by just letting things flow naturally and not putting so much extra pressure on myself to produce. I allow myself to take breaks when I need to, I write down all of my ideas, and I plan out my projects based on what is possible for me throughout the year. I continue to post and promote my work to reach as many people as I can, not only to encourage diversity but to show others what is possible. I appreciate all of the programs and opportunities that are focusing on celebrating the hard work and dedication of BIPOC artists, creatives, and business owners. As I grow my platform and my business, I continue to think and plan ways that I can give opportunities to others in the future. I have experienced so many different challenges first hand and if I can use my own success to propel my community forward and relieve some of those stressors for others, I will do everything in my power to do so.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my work I accentuate the facial features, bodies and culture of BIPOC. I use my life experiences and my Gullah Geechee family’s “big noses” as inspiration for my artwork. Big noses are a distinct feature in my family and something that we have always been proud of. Facial features like this that are passed down not only connect us to each other but to our origins, and in some cases can be one of the most ancestral connections we can make. Utilizing drawing, painting, sculpting, and sewing techniques, I make very vibrant and exaggerated portraiture that is representative of black beauty. I call my pieces “Big Nose Baddies” to convey this concept to my audience. My favorite mediums to work with are acrylic paint, marker, and digital drawing because I am able to use bold and bright colors. I love to create work that features a variety of skin tones, hairstyles, and nose shapes so that everyone has an opportunity to see themselves in my work. I am most proud of my ability to reach people on a deeper level through my art. I have had so many meaningful conversations with others, especially other black women, that have experienced being teased, overlooked, or discriminated against for their natural features. Being told by many people from different backgrounds and age groups that my portraits have caused a positive or healing feeling within them is something I truly hold dear and appreciate. I believe that my ability to see the power that I hold to make a difference in my community, my determination to continue to create and evolve as an artist, and my undying love for art is what sets me apart from others.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Being able to express myself through drawing, painting, and creating is one of the most important parts of my life and who I am as a person. Having the time and space to do what I love is what matters most to me. As I continue to build my life here in Baltimore, I want to create more artwork that resonates with other black and brown people in the area. I want to be able to reach the little girl who was teased for her natural hair or was told her nose and lips are too big. To let her and everyone else know that black truly is beautiful and we deserve to be seen. Through my work, I aim to emphasize the power in standing out, celebrating your own unique features, and being proud of who you are.
Pricing:
- Matted Art Prints – $30+
- Big Nose Baddie T-shirts – $35+
- Coloring Book – $20+
- Big Nose Baddie Stickers – $3-$5 each
- Commissions – $40-$250+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artbyshayn.square.site/s/shop
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/artbyshayn
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artbyshayn
