Meet Shirley Ipaye | of Orange Canvas

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

Hi Shirley, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It’s honestly what I’m best at…creating. I don’t waver or second guess myself when it comes to art because creating in my nature. I’ve literally worked in almost every industry and I’ve never felt fulfilled, there was always something missing so those jobs never lasted. I wouldn’t hesitate to call it quits no matter how much I was making or how “prestigious “ the job seemed because being unhappy was not worth it. Being a full time artist/creator was the only lane that felt right for me, the only way I could feel liberated.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is more than just painting on canvases, it combines abstract and spirituality. I enjoy using shapes but mainly triangles because of the symbolism behind them, you will also find a bit of sacred geometry in my art. I’m most proud of how I am able to combine art and Self-Care. I hand drill the healing crystals in the jewelry I create, and I do paintings, decor, mugs etc with crystals as well. It wasn’t easy getting to where I am professionally but it has been well worth it. One of the challenges I faced was being able to mass produce because I create everything from hand: I drill the crystals, paint the mugs, paint the totes etc and that takes hours. I overcame the challenges by sticking to it and dedicating myself to my brand for those long hours (because ppl do it for their job so why wouldn’t I do it for my my passion) realizing there is literally nothing else that I want to do because I’ve done it all, well most. The feeling you get when your passion pays you is like no other. I’ve also learned not to be afraid to put yourself out there, it doesn’t matter if what you’re doing has/hasn’t been done before, they haven’t done it like you, so just go for it, be an innovator, be you, unapologetically! My brand is for the free spirits that sometime forget that Self-Care is just as important as being unapologetically you. With everything I create for Orange Canvas I make it easy for you to practice Self-Care without thinking too hard about it. You’ve been feeling a bit unforgiving and feel like you need to love on yourself a little more?..throw on my Rose Quartz studs. You need some motivation but don’t really want to do the necessary work because you don’t really have the time? Drink your morning tea with one of my mugs with mantras etc.

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.
I’m taking them to Green Love Kitchen, Antico-Pizza, Maple Street Biscuit and South City Kitchen. Flying Biscuit has different flavored mimosas, and they’re fairly priced so we’ll visit there one afternoon. We’re also going to visit the High Museum and walk around Little 5 Points and check out Phoenix & Dragon Bookstore for some crystals! I’m almost certain that just seeing the mantra will give you a little push in the right direction.” after mugs with mantras etc.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends! My family has supported me through EVERY job I quit lol because at the end of the day they know how free spirited I am, and I can’t be tied down to something that isn’t fulfilling. They never made me feel bad for quitting, at first they didn’t understand it but then it just turned into a running joke for the family e.g. how many w2s will Shirley get this year, or how many days…not months, but days did you last at the job this time? Also my best friends they know who they are! They always encourage me and are artists in different mediums so they understand the need to feel liberated in everything you do.

Website: www.orangecanvasco.com

Instagram: @orangecanvasco

Facebook: @orangecanvasco

Image Credits
Shirley Ipaye