Meet Shelby Anderson

We recently connected with Shelby Anderson and have shared our conversation below.

Shelby, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Confidence comes from the ability to self express. For me this came from experience. I feel a lot of confidence came from knowing who I am and what I feel my purpose can be as an individual. The things that influence me are things I use to express myself and how it makes me feel with the sense of nostalgia. When you find your individuality and what makes you unique, this unravels your sense of purpose and contentment with the self.

My sense of fashion and persona came from my curiosity to learn deeply what interests me.

My persona is always uniquely changing by experience. I see how the self  changes by what we are inspired by. I feel many will buy things because it’s “trending” or, “That’s what everyone is buying.” I think that confuses people into a comfort zone because they know it will make other people like them. Once I started doing something because I liked it, then I felt I was finally realizing my uniqueness in the world.

Definitely get inspired by what someone makes, but there are a lot of amazing things that people can make or do. I feel that is how I connect to others. However, when I’m wearing something just because it has a brand, I’m defeating the purpose of the individual.

Within this continuous metamorphosis of the soul, I found my confidence and stopped worrying about what other people thought.

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?

My artistry is developed through process and experimentation. Much of my work is inspired by the science of chaos and the natural order.

A couple of years ago I curated a solo show titled “36” that revealed a mathematical process of a series of numerical patterns that work infinitely in design and algorithms. I was shocked how numbers worked this way and wanted to show its beauty that is creating naturally. It was amazing that mathematics works together to create algorithms that formulate designs infinitely. I discovered this in my early college years at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

It creates a question on how numbers can profoundly express visible design and act in a pattern.

I also expressed the process of formulating with string.

Right now I am working on a series titled ‘Interdimensional State.’ This plays with perspective and was inspired by the relation to how subatomic particles can be many states/rotations at once when not observed. I describe this in paint by morphing different perspectives than the contrast of deciding a direct path. These perspectives works as a metaphor to the unknown and what lies ahead of sight. This is an attempt to have the observer find these different perspectives and allow their eye to choose its own path.

I feel that art can be an easier way to describe complex thoughts.

In my past work my focus was on passion and movement. This was described in oils/acrylic through the abstraction of ethereal bodies that harmonized in perfect composition.

In the excitement of my research I also curate shows for a community of artists who continue to inspire everyday.

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?

Say, “ I don’t care what you think”

If you have a passion for something, go for it! Allow this passion to take over your being and let it be an experience.

Many times people are going to diminish your qualities and understandings. Definitely take the good and bad in criticism. However, many times I have dealt with definitions others have given me, but I don’t use them to describe myself. Everything is a learning experience in which we are always students.

In my work I have allowed myself to completely break my minds limits. Some would say this is crazy, but I would say it was worth it.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Having a community of artists and people in many areas of different talents, I was able to learn and be inspired by many aspects of life. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago was an amazing experience for me where I was able to study any avenue I wanted. This includes, photography, foundry, painting, sculpting, ceramic, fibers, glass casting, philosophy, art history, scientific illustration art and technology, etc.

Keep learning.

Contact Info:

  • Instagram: _.shelby.anderson._

Image Credits
Modxphotography Antonio Bourge

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