Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shawntay Gorman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shawntay, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I derive my resilience from the strength and wisdom passed down through generations, particularly from my mother, grandmothers, and their grandmothers. I firmly believe that I am a product of the enduring blessings embedded in my family’s history.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Art is more than a hobby for me. It is a way of life and a passion that I’ve enjoyed for as long as I could remember. My work is inspired by a cross section of music and culture, while infusing messages of that references a multitude of social injustices that directly impact of people of color in the United States.
I have a special place in my heart for activism. My advocation skills, formed on a day to day basis through her career in the medical field, are translated into my art by confronting difficult concepts and turning them into a palatable burst of color and life in a pop art style that attempts to tell the stories of those whose voices are normally silenced. I use those same skills to honor the musical heroes and activists that have made a direct impact on my life, and the lives of those who collect my art.
My art has been shown in galleries around the world, from San Francisco to Dubai, and I have participated in both my own solo shows and group shows for years. I am also curating art shows that cater to BICPOC artists and artists of the LBGTQIA+ community. Beyond my gallery shows, I have participated in events with local community centers, spent free time working with non profits, and teaching paint classes to youth throughout the city.
I am currently curating an local art show or Black history Month called “Our Art Makes the City” at the Gallery 916. This event is specially crafted to uplift the intersectionality of Black artists and creatives in Sacramento. Honoring Black History Month, we will be celebrating Black identities through art and the power that comes from Black culture. Opening reception is 02/17/2024 from 4pm-9pm.
Another important project I am working on is a Mini-Mural project here at a local elementary school, Pony Express elementary. In which students are paired up with a local BIPOC artist and they design, sketch and paint mini-murals on their class door. As the projects lead artist, I feel this project is important because it brings the students and community together whilst providing BIPOC representation to the students that they normally do not see within their school districts. We will have a huge event on 02/24/2024 with food, music, games and fun in which the murals will be unveiled and a ball wall mural lead by artist Gabriel Lopez assisted by me will be unveiled.
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?
On this journey, I’ve gleaned essential insights, learning that not everyone shares the same compassionate heart as I do. Engaging in community work has proven to be challenging, yet undeniably rewarding. Moreover, the wisdom to selectively pick and choose battles has been a crucial aspect of my acquired knowledge.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am open to collaborating with fellow artists and organizations. When engaging in collaborations or organizing events, I seek partners who share a mutual passion for community, support for all BIPOC individuals, and a commitment to addressing social justice issues. Let’s create meaningful and impactful projects together.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taystyart.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shawntay__
Image Credits
Kyle J. Myers Sr. (@Ghost_photo83)
