Issue 6 Artist Spotlight | Kamryn Shawron
C+B: Tell us about yourself, Kamryn!
KS: Currently I am a full time freelance artist but only because things kind of shook out that way. I had given it a try a few years ago and now I find myself back in this role after the little boy I nannied for began school full time. Making is something that has always been a part of my life, but it's something I really refocused on post-pandemic. Being furloughed for months from my full time job gave me the time to re-enter the art world at my own leisure post-graduation. I found myself so grateful for the time I was creating like a mad man - fearful I'd not have that kind of free time again.
C+B: How has your relationship with your work changed since you first started creating?
KS: It's really evolved like any relationship, the mediums used, themes approached. I feel like lately I'm really finding my footing in my medium of choice (bead embroidery), and I love continuing to explore that with any and all of the kooky ideas that come to mind.
C+B: What has your experience been like receiving feedback or criticism of your work?
KS: I don't think I've received a real critique since college! But honestly I love asking my partner what he thinks of a piece or what should be different. That outside perspective is crucial when being so close to a project/theme.
C+B: Which creator (present day or in the past) do you most admire and why? What draws you to their work?
KS: There are so many! When I get tired of my own work I look for inspiration in others. I adore the work of Laura Shull and Jessica Locklar, their work should be friends I think! Very soft, feminine and dreamy. Just recently found Joanna Paige, and I think she's wonderful as well . Nathaniel Thompson is a tremendous photographer and excellent at capturing nostalgia. I think I'm drawn to the work of people that help me explore different facets of myself.
Find and support Kamryn here:
IG: @kamrynleelu
Website: kamrynshawron.com
(LG Try don't Cry, 60’’ x 60’’ x 2’’, mixed media, ©Kamryn Shawron)
My ideal creative retreat would be: A cabin immersed in nature, maybe close to running water of some sort. Quiet but not too remote and I just make and paint and bead into the wee hours of the morning. Undisturbed with the textures of the world around me to draw inspiration from.
One word that describes my most recent work is: HUGE
A quote that inspires me is: I can't find who exactly said it but it was something like, “How do you know when a work is finished? At some point you just stop.”
I think the closest equivalent might be this quote by Paul Gardner: "A painting is never finished - it just stops in interesting places."
My hope for those viewing my work: Ultimately, I always hope that even those who don't call themselves creative can immediately recognize the surface change and applied texture. Even if they don't recognize the technique or materials. But really I love hearing all the different feelings and emotions my work evokes. The connections people make to it based on their own experiences. Art is personal and I like for mine to be open to interpretation.
