We had the good fortune of connecting with Sabrina Shumaker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sabrina, how do you think about risk?
Many years ago, my artist friend told me something that I still tell myself every day. That saying was “no risk, no reward”. Ever since then, I’ve become less risk averse and decided to take more artistic risks with my work. It’s allowed me to see my work as less precious and therefore, I can push it further or try new things because I’m not so attached to the final product, and have more joy in the process of creating. This has allowed me to improve in every aspect of the creation process. Where would my murals be if I had not taken that risk and went on a mural trip with that artist I barely knew? Where would my sculptures be if I had not spent that money on an expensive workshop trip? What if I hadn’t submitted to the call for artist that I got chosen for because I was afraid of rejection? What if I scrapped that YouTube video that maybe could get me in trouble? Thankfully, because I took those risks I’ve learned more than I ever would have sticking to the safe side.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is explores the human form using multidisciplinary practices. I begin by photographing my friends or myself in natural habitats. From these photographs I then construct a digital rendition and choose my medium. I enjoy exploring the subject using oil paint, wood carvings, ceramic sculpture, and larger than life murals. I love to incorporate natural elements within my work using flora and fauna that is ever-present in my life. Using an ethereal lens, I highlight the magic and beauty of the human figure. I hone in on rendering and studiously examining anatomy and form while embellishing my ideas with magical elements. This is a process that offers me endless inspiration.

As far as how I got here, I was going to University for Elementary Education, specifically to be an art teacher. While in school, I would rush to finish my class assignments so that I could draw. A friend sent me a link to an art show call for artist in Orlando. At the time, I had 3 finished drawings. I framed them up and dropped them off. I was so scared! It ended up being one of the best experiences to have shown my work in a gallery setting, and to meet a lot of like minded individuals. I even sold a piece, to my surprise! As I continued to do more art shows, selling more and more and having a good support system. I ended up dropping out of University when I was pressured to pursue General Education by a counselor since it was likely that art education programs were likely going to be dropped due to funding. It’s not been easy, and there’s still days where I find myself constantly learning new, difficult lessons about this career. With risks often come many heart wrenching failures. But when things do go right- it’s one of the best feelings to know that it was all worth it and that I get to be a part of this beautiful community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If someone were visiting, it would be a very artsy trip! I would take them to my favorite gallery ABV Gallery. They always are exhibiting new exciting shows and events! The Drink and Doodle events are some of my favorite to watch. I also love the Cabbagetown murals area. To walk along the strip of colorful murals, by many outstanding local artists is so inspiring. I would also want to search around for the Tiny Doors! I only found out about this recently. There’s tiny doors all around the city you can find, there’s a map on tinydoorsatl.com. Finally, I’d pave out at least a day to go explore the botanical garden, and do a few plein air paintings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to Ryan Semple, @_ryansemple. He’s been alongside me on my journey as an artist since the beginning! He and I are partners and a creative team. We work on murals together, I commission him to build wooden frames and panels for my art, and I help him with his murals and tackling painted projects. It’s so wonderful to have someone by your side who is equally as invested in quality of work with a dedication to their craft, as well as trying new things. When he started working on wood carving, he invited me to a class called Wood Chippers Wood Carving Club. I went along not really expecting to like it and I end up falling in love with wood carving! Since we are business partners too, we are equally invested in pushing one another to be the best versions of ourselves and also help one another when we are feeling in a rut.

Website: shumakerart.com

Instagram: @shumakerart

Facebook: facebook.com/shumakerart

Youtube: youtube.com/shumakerart

Other: Tiktok @shumakerart

Image Credits
Images of the two sculptures were taken by my friend @mahal007 and he gave me rights to use.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.