Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Shipman.
Alana, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am a self-taught artist and mother of two amazing children. Originally, I’m from NY and began painting when I moved out to CA in 2000. I always used writing as a form of expression but had a desire for my creativity to evolve. When I came to CA, a friend and I went to Julian with a few canvasses and tried painting the scenery. Shortly after, I met an artist that thought I had potential and she displayed my pieces. I ended up selling a few paintings and became inspired to create more. I started painting abstract with more feeling and sometimes poetry. I picked up a few shows here and there and people started connecting with my art. I enjoyed the feeling of someone wanting to buy the painting because it made them feel good. One significant moment was a painting of a figure dancing and words about awakening from her dark night and her soul singing and dancing. A man approached the painting and with tears told me that he thought of his daughter and felt at peace. He explained she was young and had just passed away. When I saw the impact that art can have on people, and that I was capable of being a part of that, it just fueled my desire more. Painting became a new outlet for me.
In 2009, I had an accident and ended up with a brain injury that caused an unpredictable road. One of the impacts was damage to my optic nerves. I had to stop painting or reading, writing, driving, pretty much anything to do with my eyes. It was physically painful and disrupted my brain connections and thought process. Even as I try to write this. Eventually, the urge to paint came back. I used some old scratched records because it was a small even space to start out again. Through doing that I learned that the process of making circular art could be healing and it was called a “mandala.” I continued until I could try to paint on a canvas again. It’s still difficult for me, but I’m excited to see which direction my artwork will take. I believe artwork is a direct connection to what’s happening in your life and will always shift and change if you let it.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I paint in acrylics and oil pens, on canvasses and vinyl records. I also sell original art lightswitch covers too. I think everyone should be able to afford art that inspires them. I paint whatever inspires me at that moment. To me, painting is about being able to express thoughts and images or a feeling you want to make sense of. Sometimes I have a few ideas and just start painting them all at once to get them started. I love painting animals, night sky, sunset, nature, musical inspirations. The message or inspiration depends on the painting but is usually about rising up, getting through tough times, hope, faith, strength. Some painting are images that I have painted as a
reminder to myself, others can be darker, about things I want to move on from. We can all relate to certain feelings. If someone gets any inspiration from my painting or it just makes them smile, then I’m happy I could be a part of that.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
That’s an interesting question. I don’t really feel there is much of a challenge facing artists today. If you have the inner drive to create and express, you just need to make the time and effort. In today’s society, there are so many outlets with social media and ways to network, the possibilities are endless. It definitely puts more artists in the mix and in the spotlight making it competitive, yet I really don’t believe in comparing to someone else’s work. We are all unique and each have our own path. I think its just important to stay true to yourself and listen to what works best for each individual.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work is currently on display at the Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station. I rotate my art every month. Once a year, I am a part of the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation, Friendraiser Event and Friday Night Liberty Art Walk. I set up a space and bring lots of pieces to sell while promoting awareness for Brain Injury. I also try to do local art shows whenever I can. I have an Instagram Page, Facebook, Website and Etsy store. When I do local art shows, I announce the info on social media.
People can support my work through purchasing a piece, passing my info along to someone that may like it, or following me on social media. I’m always looking for places to hang my art because I like to make space for new paintings. All of my work is available and I also do commissions. I have done skylines and pets..and I’m always willing to explore with other ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.unspokenart.com/
- Email: alana.unspokenart@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alana.unspokenart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alana.unspokenart/
Image Credit:
Alana Shipman
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
