Karma Chameleon
This 16″ x 20″ black light/neon piece was created in the 2-day Atlantis Festival in Anderson, South Carolina at Dazzlers April 4-5, 2013
Siobhan Shene will be one of our vendors at the April 26 Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Festival in Downtown Kannapolis, N.C., just outside of Charlotte. This is a free street festival that allows artists and performers to have a free space to sell their merchandise and perform for tips. E-mail info@kannapolisarts.com for more information.
Siobhan Shene PROFILE:
Where are you located? Boone, NC
How and when did you first get started in art and why?
“I have been creating artistically since I was a young child. My mother is an artist and had a studio in our basement, so I always had a place to create if I wasn’t outside.”
What art form do you focus on and why?
“I mostly focus on painting and drawing, but I am capable of sculpting, creating jewelry, and other art forms.”
What’s kept you involved in art and keeps you wanting to practice your craft?
“Some of my artwork is auctioned off for charities and causes, so helping people with my art has kept my morale up even when commissions were few.”
What’s your philosophy and style to creating art?
“It depends on where I am and if I am alone. If I am live painting at a venue, it’s usually bright and either a landscape or an animal, or both. When I am at home painting by myself or with a friend I tend to take more time and focus on painstaking detail. If you are creating something that is supposed to be a subject that already exists, do it justice. If you’re painting an abstract or intentionally portraying in a particular style, own it. It’s a reflection of who you are, after all.”
What kind of music, if any, do you listen to when you create art? And why do you listen to that particular kind of music when you work?
“Music is almost always on when I am painting. The genre varies from classical, to rock/alternative, progressive metal, psytrance, to indie rock, possibly more. I believe it really just depends on my mood.”
Have you attended any festivals or have any artwork on display? Also, have you won any awards for your work?
“I’ve participated and performed in over 200 events around the country, mostly the East. My work exists in several countries, including Russia, Italy, and parts of the UK.”
What’s the most challenging part for you when you are creating new art and how do you work through it? Also, how many pieces of art do you create a month?
“With commissions, it varies with the month. April, June and October are my busiest months for production, whether it is for a client or for myself. The most challenging part is creating a bunch of commissions then trying to paint just for me. It can be very frustrating at times. I can never decide which style to go with! I think the busiest month I ever had birthed over 20 paintings.”
What has been your favorite piece you created and why?
“With over 400 pieces, I could not honestly tell you I have a favorite. With all the genres I play with, it would be impossible to pinpoint. However, ‘Dream Machine’ and ‘Karma Chameleon’ would be in the top five. ‘Dream Machine’ took years to make in small bursts, and ‘Karma Chameleon’ is a color changing black light piece, so it’s a crowd favorite.”
How have you evolved as an artist and what have you done to help grow as an artist?
“I have gone from student to teacher. I have a few mentors, and they have watched me grow as someone who painted for fun to someone who creates as my life calling. Teaching other people how to paint definitely helps the growth process.”
What are some art projects you would like to tackle in the future and why? “I want to partake in Art Basel and paint a building out in Miami. I’ve also seen some amazing street artists in Europe that I’d love to co-create with on a large building that requires repelling. Also, it is my dream to be in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.”
What’s your contact information in case anyone is interested in your work? You can find Siobhan Shene on Facebook or e-mail her at Lithoriel.Mithuna@gmail.com or visit www.ceopeacepaint.wix.com/SiobhanShene
Dream Machine
This 9″ x 11″ mixed media piece is my personal favorite. It was inspired by H.R. Giger and was completed in 2010.