We recently connected with Ken “Tsunami” Shep and have shared our conversation below.
Ken “Tsunami”, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
To foster my creativity, I immerse myself in a variety of musical styles, such as hip hop, R&B, lofi, and classical—embracing almost every genre except country. Each genre contributes distinct elements that ignite my imagination. While country music doesn’t resonate with me as deeply, I seek inspiration from other genres to drive my creative journey.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As an Afro-Cuban artist, I’m driven by an insatiable quest for discovery and expression. I navigate through various mediums, crafting visionary masterpieces without the constraints of convention. From the intangible realms of digital art to the tangible allure of metalwork, acrylics, and oils, my creativity knows no bounds. Inspired by spirituality, futurism, science fiction, and metaphysics, I intricately weave a rich tapestry of themes into my work, often delving deep into human anatomy for profound exploration. My latest series “Black Ballet” debuted to international acclaim at the esteemed 2023 London Art Biennale, solidifying my position as a trailblazer in contemporary art. Icons such as Kanye West, Cardi B, Rick Ross, and Dawn Richards have been captivated by my transcendent creations. Blending pop culture with fine art, my work transcends commercial boundaries, adorning album covers, music videos, and cinematic productions. Collaborations with industry leaders like Disguise Systems for Disney’s Mandalorian and designer Oscar Utierre, featured in Vogue, underscore my impact on the intersection of art, fashion, and entertainment. In my deep reflection, I hold firm to the belief that “Everything is Art. It’s necessary. It’s in everything. It’s the closest thing to being like God. Why? Because you’re the creator.” Through my boundless creativity, I invite others to embrace the divine within themselves and the limitless potential of artistic expression.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey as an artist, three qualities stand out that had had a profound impact: emotional intelligence and spiritual awareness, knowing and understanding myself, and knowing my purpose. Emotional intelligence enabled me to connect deeply with my emotions and those of others, shaping work that resonated authentically. Spiritual awareness provided a sense of purpose, infusing my art with meaning. Self-awareness, knowing my strengths, weaknesses, passions, and limitations, guided my artistic development, allowing me to focus on areas of strength and seek growth where needed. Understanding my purpose within my artistry provided direction and motivation. For those embarking on their artistic journey, I offer advice: don’t expect instant mastery; be gentle with yourself, recognizing that growth takes time and patience; practice self-awareness to navigate challenges and stay aligned with your goals; consider consequences, being mindful of the impact of your actions on both your art and your life, and make choices that align with your long-term vision and values; and most importantly, enjoy the journey, embracing both the highs and lows, knowing that each experience contributes to your growth as an artist.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
The ideal client, in my opinion, is someone who genuinely values the work being produced. This client would appreciate the talent, subject, emotional and spiritual depth present in the art; seeking a personal connection and understanding of the creative process. They would align with the overarching purpose and values, recognizing the significance of these elements in the creation of meaningful artwork.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kentsunamishep.com
- Instagram: @undergroundtsu
Image Credits
Tsunami Media Group
