Meet Shelly Floyd

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shelly Floyd. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shelly , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose through a combination of personal loss and a deep connection to my family history. When I lost my mom in 2020, everything shifted, including my art. Creating textured, tactile works became a way for me to process my emotions and reconnect with myself. At the same time, I drew inspiration from my grandmother, who was a baker and crafted intricate wedding cakes using palette knives and piping bags. I began experimenting with those same tools on canvas, layering paint to create rich textures. This journey helped me realize that my art wasn’t just about expression—it was about evoking emotions, telling stories, and helping others create spaces that reflect their own journeys. Whether in times of celebration or healing, I found my purpose in creating art that connects and uplifts.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Shelly Floyd, a textured abstract artist passionate about creating art that tells a story through layers of texture and color. My work is a fusion of technique and emotion, inspired by my grandmother’s cake decorating tools—palette knives, piping bags, and tips—which I use to sculpt paint into tactile, dimensional compositions. Each piece invites viewers to pause, feel, and connect on a deeply personal level.

What excites me most about my art is its ability to evoke emotion. Whether it’s a sense of calm, joy, or introspection, my goal is to create pieces that become part of someone’s story, elevating their space and reflecting their journey.

Recently, I’ve been exploring woven abstract paintings, where threads of paint intertwine to create intricate, textured designs. My latest collection features vibrant geometric shapes in primary and secondary colors, crafted to tell a story of energy, introspection, and emotional depth. These paintings can be viewed in galleries across the USA and on my website, floydartgallery.com. I am also currently accepting commissions, collaborating with collectors to create custom pieces that resonate with their unique vision.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding my reach, building relationships with galleries and collectors, and continuing to create art that leaves a lasting impact. Whether celebrating life’s joyful moments or providing comfort during challenging times, my mission is to craft art that feels timeless, meaningful, and deeply connected to the human experience.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey were resilience, curiosity, and the ability to connect emotionally.

Resilience has been crucial—pursuing a career in art comes with its fair share of challenges, from self-doubt to rejection. Learning to persevere and keep creating, even when things felt uncertain, has been essential. My advice to anyone starting out is to embrace setbacks as part of the process. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow and refine your craft.

Curiosity has also played a huge role. I’ve always been curious about techniques, tools, and ways to express myself. My experimentation with cake-decorating tools is a perfect example of how exploring unconventional methods can lead to unique creative breakthroughs. To nurture curiosity, I’d encourage others to never stop learning—try new techniques, study artists who inspire you, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

Lastly, the ability to connect emotionally has shaped my work. Art is more than just what you create—it’s about how it makes people feel. Early in my journey, I realized that my purpose wasn’t just to paint but to create pieces that resonate with others on a deeper level. To develop this skill, focus on your ‘why’ and understand the impact you want your work to have on others. When your art is grounded in authenticity and emotion, it becomes truly powerful.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! I’m always looking to partner and collaborate with people who share a passion for creativity, innovation, and meaningful storytelling. I’m particularly interested in connecting with galleries, interior designers, art consultants, and collectors who are looking to incorporate unique, textured abstract art into their projects and spaces.

I’m also open to collaborating with other artists, brands, and organizations on projects that align with my vision of creating art that evokes emotion and transforms spaces. Whether it’s curating a collection, creating custom pieces, or working on a special initiative, I’m excited to explore opportunities that push boundaries and inspire connection.

If you’re interested in collaborating, you can reach me through my website, floydartgallery.com, or on Instagram @floydartgallery. Let’s connect and create something beautiful together!

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