Today we’d like to introduce you to Shona Rose.
Shona, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a Jamaican born artist. Living in a third world country there aren’t many opportunities to pursue higher education, it is even harder when surrounded by violence. However, I was fortunate enough to be exposed to the internet and cable television and I learned about people who created amazing art and games where the characters looked like actual people. With that in mind, I wondered if I could do it too and that’s what started me on my journey. I taught myself how to draw and paint through tutorials and plain old observation. What started in my early teens has led me to pursue a degree in fine arts and to graduate successfully and now here I am; still pursuing my dreams and making strides toward a prosperous future.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was by no means a smooth road. Is it ever?
Not only did I have to deal with issues at home and school, but I also immigrated to a foreign country and although it didn’t feel much different from my own country I had to learn how to be around people with a different culture and ideals from my own. I have also had to deal with my own personal issues, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. All of it called into question my desire to be an artist, and at times I felt like I was going to go absolutely insane. However, I never forgot my dream, to become an animator or… at least something within that field. I had so much to say, so many ideas I couldn’t just abandon that as if it was nothing. Before I realized it being an artist was just a part of who I was, if I had given up on that, I felt I would be lost. Besides that, I felt within my heart it was something I needed to do and although there’s the perception of artists having it hard, It doesn’t necessarily have to be the end-all. So yeah, I had many challenges, and obstacles, but I still did it, and I’m beyond happy that I did.
We’d love to hear more about your artwork.
I could call myself an animator but in reality, I am more of a Concept Artist/Illustrator, however, I’m in the process of changing that.
I enjoy doing a variety of things, such as 3D modeling, sculpting both traditionally and digitally, animating, painting traditionally and digitally…
Honestly, before I realized it, I’ve become a sort of Jack of all Trades, because I refused to put limits to myself. Even the hardest most challenging things, I’ve made it my mission to get good at them.
In terms of what it is, I am absolutely known for it would have to be my illustrations and my characters.
I write as well so I create characters based on those stories. I enjoy creating characters because it’s fun to get to know them and to watch other people interact with them and learn to love them too. Truthfully, what sets me apart is really up to others to decide, I just love art, and I enjoy fantasy art if that’s what sets me apart I suppose that would be it.
What do you love about our city and what do you dislike?
It’s hot, congested, and people just don’t drive!
I feel like there’s this focus on the appearance and nothing of true substance.
I hate how narrow the roads are and the fact there are roads that seem to go nowhere! And parking! Oh my gosh, everywhere you go you have to pay for parking! I also hate how there is this focus on fashion, film or graphic arts and there is just a dismissal of animation as if it’s not a valid art form, yet everything in animation is on the billboards, the phones we use and the commercials that are everywhere, etc.
What I do like is the cultural variety. I love the fact that there are people willing to learn about my culture and share their own. I love how people may seem to be callous but really in the right setting, they are polite and willing to help. I do enjoy the artistic influence on the city also, and I wish so much of that influence would spread to other areas of art. I also like how people even though they work hard, they still enjoy life. Don’t know if that’s a cultural thing or just the way the life of the city is, but it’s there and I hope it stays.
Contact Info:
- Website: shonaroseconcepts.com
- Email: shonaroseconcepts@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fayleif/
- Other: https://www.artstation.com/fay_leif
Image Credit:
Marina Nery
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