We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Wendell Supreme Shannon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Wendell Supreme below.
Hi Wendell Supreme, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
My journey into taking risks began with a profound and life-altering experience. As a nineteen year old college student at Morgan State University, I was diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases that threatened to rob me of the use of my hands. Facing the possibility of losing my ability to create, let alone function as a young adult was a wake-up call. It forced me to seize every opportunity, knowing that nothing in life is promised. This experience reshaped my perspective, instilling in me a deep sense of urgency to make the most of every moment. I learned to optimize my time, energy, and effort, pouring myself into every project with passion and dedication. This drive to embrace the ‘right now’ has been a guiding force in my career, pushing me to take bold risks and continuously evolve as an artist.
That same mentality has become second nature to me, propelling both my personal growth and my artistry. By combining an intense focus with an eagerness to learn, I have continually bet on myself. From the very beginning, I envisioned my work everywhere—in fashion, pop culture, galleries, museums, and especially as large murals. To achieve this vision, I had to risk the security of the familiar and dedicate irreplaceable time to honing my craft. Now, I look back and laugh, because all those risks and sacrifices have finally paid off.It’s deeply satisfying to see my work recognized and to reflect on how my journey, driven by perseverance and taking risks, has brought me to this point of success.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Thank you for the opportunity to share more about my journey and current projects. As an international fine artist, muralist, and designer, my work spans various mediums and platforms, from fashion and pop culture to galleries, museums, and large-scale murals. My career is deeply influenced by a personal health battle that threatened the use of my hands, which instilled in me a sense of urgency to seize every opportunity and fully commit to my craft. This experience has shaped my artistic approach and fueled my dedication to my work.
One of the most exciting aspects of my career is the ability to blend different artistic disciplines and create pieces that resonate on multiple levels. My art often explores themes of resilience, transformation, and the human experience, drawing from my personal journey and broader societal narratives. I find immense joy in seeing my work connect with people, sparking conversations and evoking emotions.
This fall, I’m thrilled to announce the release of the WSS Signature Collection. This premium, limited edition series features time capsules that highlight the pivotal periods and pieces that have transformed my career. These works give life to the artwork the world has grown to love. Each artwork in this collection not only showcases my distinctive style and vision but also encapsulates the significant moments that have defined my artistic journey, fans collectors and admirers can champion these works daily through everyday essentials. These pieces are more than just art; they are a statement of status and testament to the evolution and milestones of my career .
In addition to the WSS Signature Collection, I continue to work on various mural projects and collaborations that bring art into public spaces, making it accessible to a wider audience. I believe in the power of art to inspire and uplift communities, and I am dedicated to creating works that leave a lasting impact.
For those interested in experiencing my art firsthand, I invite you to explore the upcoming collection and stay tuned for announcements on exhibitions and events. Thank you for your support and interest in my work. I look forward to sharing more of my artistic journey with you.
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, three qualities and skills that have been most impactful in my journey are being solution-based and never accepting “no” as an answer, creating my own opportunities, and having a strong desire to develop both creative skills and business acumen. Throughout my career, I’ve encountered numerous challenges, but rather than seeing these as insurmountable obstacles, I’ve approached them as problems to solve. This mindset has pushed my work forward and helped me realize my vision.
Early on, I understood that waiting for opportunities wasn’t viable, so I took the initiative to create my own, whether through self-organized exhibitions, collaborations, or reaching out to potential mentors and partners. Balancing my artistic skills with business knowledge has also been crucial. Learning about marketing, networking, and financial management has enabled me to build a sustainable career.
Additionally, developing a strong network and occasionally being willing to break the rules to see my vision through have been vital to my success. I believe in the importance of learning and teaching everyone I meet, which enriches my understanding and contributes to community growth.
For those at the beginning of their journey, I advise embracing challenges, seeking continuous improvement, and taking risks. Perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to learn are your greatest assets. Stay true to your vision, and your unique path will unfold as you remain committed to your goals.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Several books have played a significant role in my development as an artist, muralist, and designer. One that stands out is Think Like a Winner by Walter D. Staples. This book taught me the importance of cultivating a winning mindset and the power of positive thinking. One of the most impactful nuggets of wisdom from Staples is the idea that our thoughts shape our reality. By focusing on positive outcomes and maintaining a determined mindset, I’ve been able to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals.
Another transformative book for me is The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins. Robbins introduces a simple yet powerful tool for taking action: counting down from five and then moving. This rule has helped me push past hesitation and self-doubt, enabling me to seize opportunities and make decisive moves in my career. The concept of taking immediate action has been invaluable in my creative process and in pursuing new ventures.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin has also deeply influenced my artistic journey. Rubin’s exploration of creativity as a way of life resonates with my belief in continuous creative exploration and growth. One of the most valuable insights from this book is the emphasis on being open to inspiration from all aspects of life. Rubin’s approach encourages embracing uncertainty and experimenting without fear, which has profoundly impacted my work and artistic evolution.
Each of these books has contributed to my development by offering unique perspectives on mindset, action, and creativity. They have provided me with tools to navigate challenges, stay motivated, and continuously evolve as an artist. For anyone on their own creative journey, I highly recommend these books for the wisdom and practical advice they offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.WSSFineArt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wss_fineart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wssfineart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wssfineart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC08VA5dfoPyga9ZoM5MmXrw
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