There is nothing certain like the high you feel when great artists work together to create a piece that is profoundly satisfying. I have a huge appreciation for mash-ups, the type of music that’s mainstream, but can’t be aimlessly thrown into the pop genre because it’s that deep. Marcus serves this type of collaboration; he has worked with national artists from Montel Jordan, Ray J, and Eric Roberson to local and indie artists like Algebra Bassett, and Choklate. “I like working with others because of the different musical conversations that occur.”
It was a real treat to be able to chat with photographer Sherry Smith as she discusses her journey to becoming a full-time artist, and gives some great advice for others aspiring to get there.
This is the third in our interviews of artists leading up to the grand opening of the Green Bandana Project Friday July 30th at the Arts Apartments in Dallas' newly renovated arts district. Click here for the first one and here for the second.
Art Star: What motivates you to be an artist?
Sherry Smith: I think that photography has been a very spiritual journey for me. I have the gene that breeds wild ideas and the necessity to make those dreams into reality. It is of course a very visual journey for me.
Art Star: Can you tell us a little bit about your creative process?
Sherry Smith: I work when my energy allows me too. Sometime ideas or visions come to me in those twilight moments and I jump on it. Other times, when working with a client, I open myself up to a co-creation of sorts. I think that is the beauty of photography. It is not all about me. I have to be able to get our of Self and interpret another human's soul and vision. That can be a very hard thing to do.
AS: Do you ever use any other media?
SS: I am fascinated with design elements so I do graphic design work as well. I have also write poetry, draw, and paint. But, those can be very challenging for me at times. So I don't do them as often. I try to focus on being really good at one thing. I went through a video phase also. I would like to get back into that in the future.
AS: What's your favorite camera to use?
SS: Any camera- really. However, I just got a Canon 50D which seems to do the trick. Really, it is more about the lens that I'm attaching to it. The prime lens is my favorite. It's fast, gets great depth of field, and forces me to position myself instead of relying on a zoom.
AS: Who do you think is (are) revolutionizing art?
SS: I think art has been brought to a whole new level with the age of digital. I consider Photoshop and even graphic design work art. I feel like manipulating pixels or vector images is the same thing as manipulating paint on a canvas. Some people don't think so.
AS: What are your thoughts on the Dallas art scene?
SS: I think that Dallas does contain of spirit of fellowship within the artists community. Groups like artlovemagic have really taken off and enabled an attitude of love, tolerance, and healing for all who are involved.
AS: Where do you stand with art as a career? Full time? Part time with a random side job? How have you been able to make it over the years? Advice for the starving artist?
SS: I am now doing art full time. I did the whole part time with side jobs for a long time. At the time, that is wanted I needed to grow. I hate the term "starving artist" because I feel like it give us an excuse to stay poor. My advice: Hang around people that are better than you. Go to school to develop your art and to hear honest critique. And finally, learn about the business side. We artists try to avoid all of that thinking that someone will do it for us. Maybe when you're rich and famous. But, everyone starts out doing their own grunge work in the beginning. A major problem with artists including myself if self discipline. Do all the things you don't want to do!! I have had some great people on my journey that believed in me and pushed me to succeed. You have to surround yourself with those people. It's crucial to surviving this game as well as life.
AS: That’s great Sherry. Is there anything else that you would like to tell our readers about your art or about you personally?
SS: I grew up in an artist's home and developed a belief system that I was not talented with the creative gene. I went down a completely self-destructive path that is common for artists. One day, my eyes opened up to the creative person within. My life has never been the same. I think art is the ultimate healer. Everyone needs to express themselves. The images that I create are very personal and may not mean the same thing to someone else. That's o.k.
We sit down and talk real street art, book stores, Taekwondo gyms, and how to make it in the Dallas art scene with young up-and-comer Raymond Butler.
This is the second in our interviews of artists leading up to the grand opening of the Green Bandana Project Friday July 30th at the Arts Apartments in Dallas' newly renovated arts district. Click here for the first one.
You can check out Raymond Butler and the rest of the Peanut Gallery here
Art Star has been interviewing several artists leading up to the grand opening of the Green Bandana Project Friday July 30th at the Arts Apartments in Dallas' newly renovated arts district. Consider it an update to our Clicking Around With Music series
Art Star sits down with photographer Jen Shu and talks about making it as an artist, the Dallas art scene, Lady Gaga, sticky notes and more.
Art Star: What motivates you to be an artist?
Jen Shu: The world, the people, and the creation around me...it is like a sensory overload that I try to capture in one photo or project.
Art Star: Can you tell us a little bit about your creative process?
Jen Shu: My process usually starts internally with an idea or a spark of an image in my mind, and from there I'll either write it down or immediately start thinking of how to create it. For example, on a family photo shoot, sometimes I'll get an idea in my mind, and immediately begin to make it happen. Other times, with more complex projects - I stew for hours on one thing and watch it unfold.
AS: How do you think your art has evolved over the past year?
JS: I think I've begun to really create with more of a purpose in mind....to really bring to life the ideas & creativity that is within. AND I feel that I'm starting to narrow down what I'm really good at. I'm also continuing to make sure that my CLIENTS voices & visions are heard before my own. I've really been taking the time to listen and create more and more.
AS: What's your favorite camera to use?
JS: I have recently begun using the 5D....and LOVE IT. It gives me a creative range that I've not had before...and I've only had it a month! The images are so different than all my other cameras combined!
AS: So pink is sorta your signature color, how did that come about?
JS: It was funny! When the singer Pink first came out, I dug her look, but it was not time for me to "go there". My inspiration came from a friend of a friend who had her hair a gorgeous magenta. I had felt like I wanted to go with that color for a while, and after asking her how she did it? I jumped out and did it. It has become my "normal" color ever since. I did a lot of research on the color before doing it! :) 
AS: Who do you think is (are) revolutionizing art?
JS: My FIRST inspiration was and always will be Blue Man Group. Their simplistic view on sensory overload led me to this path where my creativity began to flow. It reminds me to approach art with a child-like manner...and not take it too serious.
My 2nd and more current inspiration has been Lady Gaga. She is sensory overload on STEROIDS. She is a living, walking & breathing art piece to me. I have never been so opened to watching someone live their dream and make things happen on a regular basis, regardless if anyone understands it, SHE as an artist making it happen. (In so many ways!)
AS: I love Lady Gaga. What are your thoughts on the Dallas art scene?
JS: I think the Dallas art scene is something I am only just now exploring and getting to know. I know that from what I've seen so far, I would like to see MORE of what Dallas has to offer.
AS: Where do you stand with art as a career? Full time? Part time with a random side job? How have you been able to make it over the years? Advice for the starving artist?
JS: I was laid off from my full-time job in 2008 to become a photographer full-time. I am mostly able to do what I do with the support of my husband. To do what we do, you HAVE to be motivated, dedicated and willing to learn things you wouldn't normally learn! If you are a single (unmarried) artist - I say, if this is your calling - make it happen! Your lifestyle doesn't have to be extravagant to live your dream. If you are married or have a partner to fund you? All the better! I just encourage EVERYONE to follow their dream and do whatever it takes! It is the most fulfilling thing you will do here on earth. :)
AS: If you were a sticky note what would you be stuck to and what would it say?
JS: Ok if I were a sticky note....I would be stuck to God...and it would say..."gotcha". :)
AS:Is there anything else that you would like to tell our readers about your art or about you personally?
JS: My vision and my mission...is to inspire you, encourage you and help you to aspire to be all you can be. I attempt to express this in all the art forms that I flow in...and when I work with people. I truly am there to help you! When my budding art pieces come out in this next year, I actually hope to inspire even more than before so that what is in my heart WILL translate effectively to the eyes seeing them. You won't wanna miss it. :)
You can check out more of Jen Shu’s work here. And meet her in room 6050 at Green Bandana Project.
