Artist Interview: Shelby Hamilton

Design Inspired

Nov 19

Talented Charleston, South Carolina artist Shelby Hamilton is this season’s RBID Featured Artist and we’re delighted to have her work here in our Madison, Georgia studio! We asked Shelby to shed some light on things like her creative process, where she finds inspiration, and what motivates her. Get to know more about Shelby below and don’t miss our event where you can meet her in person on December 1st from 4-7 PM!

Tell us about your journey to becoming an artist. Was it something you always knew you would do?

I think I always knew in the back of my mind I wanted to be an artist but I never thought it was actually attainable as a career, because of course, no one ever told me it was, nor encouraged it. My sister studied Graphic Design in college, and went to work for Spanx as a designer for a few years, so I followed in her footsteps when I chose my major in college. I love the creativity that comes with design and the psychology behind successful branding. Taking drawing and painting classes while studying Graphic Design was just a fun plus side of being an art student; you were immersed in it all. I thrived in art school and loved every second of it. No complaints about staying up late in the art building on a Thursday night! After graduating, I moved to Charleston, interned for Charleston Magazine to get some editorial experience and then was hired as the Graphic Designer for RMS Beauty, a cosmetics company based in Charleston. Alongside my job at RMS, I was taking commissions, and after about 2 years of doing both, I decided to make the jump and start my own business. It was scary, and honestly sometimes still is, but I have never looked back and I feel so fulfilled and blessed to be able to do what I love.

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I am originally from Augusta, GA. My OG support system (fam/friends) is from there too. They have been the ones to encourage me from the beginning.

How did you develop your art skills? Were you trained formally or self-taught?

I went to the University of Georgia where I studied Graphic Design through the Lamar Dodd School of Art. While studying Design, I took drawing, painting, 3D and letterpress classes to expand my skill set and gain exposure to different mediums. After that, everything has been practice.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

William (Bill) Harrison Fine Art, Peggy Watkins, Sally King Benedict, Lou Pasqua, Chambers Austelle, Ryan Kirby, the list goes on! I love sporting art, abstract pieces, fine detailed drawings, and expressive, thick and colorful mark making.

Where do you find inspiration?

Interior design and spending time outdoors either on the coast, anywhere in Charleston, or my husband’s family’s land. I also LOVE the Southeastern Wildlife Expo that happens in Charleston every year. They showcase such amazing artists that will probably forever be huge inspirations to me.

Tell us about your creative process. How do you begin a piece?

My process changes depending on my mood and what exactly it is I’m working on. If it’s a drawing, my workspace is very clean and I work from my drafting table. I’ll bring my inspiration or reference image into photoshop, crop, edit, do whatever it is I need to do to prep my eyes and brain to see value, lights, darks, small details, etc. I tape off the white space and from there, it’s music, or an audiobook until I need a break or feel the piece is finished.

My representational paintings have a similar process to my drawings.

If it’s an abstract painting, I look at fabric swatches for color inspiration. And then I try to just turn off my brain and not to think too hard. I love working with unstretched, unprimed canvas because of the way the paint/ink/whatever I am using sinks into the textile. I try to make sure each piece has balance, interest and a mark that’s unique to my style and personality.

Tell us about your favorite medium.

That is a HARD one. I have and always will love graphite, charcoal and carbon pencil. There’s just something about the simplicity of black and white and the range of values you can get to create depth. I also love it with fur and feathers because you can achieve TINY strokes and details that draw the viewer in. I also have a new love for ink and high flow acrylics, especially for my looser pieces.

How do you know a piece is complete?

I get a “feeling” when a piece is finished. Unless it’s a fine pencil drawing, then I will kind of cross my eyes and look at it as a whole to see if there are any areas that are distracting or look like they could use a little more work.

Describe your studio or workspace.

My studio is in downtown Charleston, and I rent it from Interior Designer, Courtney Agosti (Brown). It’s inspiring to walk in every day and pass her beautiful design boards, fabric swatches and wallpapers! I have my desk, a drafting/drawing table that I can raise at an angle to save my back, a standing easel, a wall easel and a full wall of closets for material storage.

What routines or rituals do you employ while creating? Do you find creativity flows best at certain times of day, listening to certain music, etc?

Music, Music, Music. I choose the music I listen to depending on my mood. The mornings are when I focus on business/admin tasks, and my creativity usually hits me later in the day. The best days are when I am so focused, that I almost feel removed from everything going on in life and the world, I have my headphones in, I have a goal in mind and am confident in what I am trying to accomplish, and simultaneously feeling so happy to be doing what I love so much.

Describe why you think art is important to society.

I think there’s always that emotional connection and awe factor in a work of art. It’s a conversation maker, a reminder, a memory, a family member, favorite dog, frozen snapshot in time of a life experience, and simply something fun to look at that can bring life to a space. I think it brings people together regardless of the art form. Plus, our walls would be soo boring without it!

What motivates you to create?

A lot of things! My friends and family, the limitless possibilities, the desire to be unique and different, and the feeling of making people happy. Creating makes me feel fulfilled, and getting to see smiles on my clients’ faces is priceless.

Tell us about your commission process.

I open up my commissions a few times a year and take a handful at a time. Clients usually contact me through my inquiry page on my website, I review their request, send them pricing and we talk about the details of their piece, I send over a contract, deposit link, and I get started. I try to keep in touch as I work on it and send them a photo when their piece is finished to make sure they are 110% happy with it before delivering the finished piece.