PART 1 of our Exclusive Interview with Shantell Martin | Bold Lines

Shantell Martin is a visual artist, intuitive philosopher, cultural facilitator, teacher, choreographer, songwriter, performer, and more. Her practice continuously pushes the boundaries of creative expression through thoughtful, innovative collaborations with artists, cultural institutions such as The Whitney Museum Shop, NYC;  Denver Art Museum, Pulitzer Prize-winning performance artist Kendrick Lamar, acclaimed designer Kelly Wearstler, The Boston Ballet, and brands such as The North Face, Google Creative Labs, and B&B Italia. This is Part 2 of our exclusive interview with Shantell.

What is your greatest artistic accomplishment to date?

Getting out of Thamesmead where I grew up, and living life on my own terms.

How do you manage the physical and the digital art world, and in which direction are you leaning more now?  

I’ve always been an artist that works in many different mediums and industries. If anything, the most challenging thing with digital work is cataloging and archiving, as you can create at a faster and higher volume versus physically. 

On average, how long does it take for you to create an artwork or an art project? 

Ha, this really just depends and is a tricky question. It just depends on every artwork and the project. I will say a big part of the process takes place in my head, thinking before it happens.

How do you decide what size an artwork will be and what is the typical size of your art?

Sometimes, I might find the canvas, and the artwork flows from there. Otherwise, it will be a template or specific product that I am working with. It really depends and is different every time. 

There are so many artists today creating amazing art in a vast array of mediums and styles, do you ever feel the pressure of competition? 

I always prefer collaboration over competition. There are many opportunities for us to all work together or independently; whatever fits you, I encourage that. I’m doing my own thing.

The digital world is known to be fast-paced, competitive, and quite intense. How is it for you so far and is it competing with or complementing the physical? 

Same thing, I don’t see competition; it’s just different. I do everything at my own pace and on my own terms. I’m focused on things that I want to do that are fun and playful and pushing myself and my work in an interesting and creative way. 

How do you find new clients and where do you sell your art? 

It’s very organic how my work finds its way into the world. It usually springs from people I’ve met along the way, connecting the dots. 

Who buys your artworks and from what countries do your clients come from? 

People all around the world, all different types of people. I love that I don’t have one answer for this question.  

What is your overall outlook on how the art market is changing?

To be honest, I don’t really pay much attention to the art market. 

Do you have any advice for new artists that are just starting their art career? 

Take your time. Be yourself. 

www.ShantellMartin.art

^{Interview organized by Maximus Communications. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are only an opinion. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News}