Meet Kamryn Shawron: Fiber Artist

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

Hi Kamryn, what are you inspired by?
I am constantly inspired by the world around me. Old movies, magazines, vintage images and couture mood boards. Anything with changes in texture and surface immediately hook me – and get me thinking how could I incorporate something like that into my work? What can I learn from this? Above all I think I am inspired the most by my mother . To this day I still remember coloring with her at the table when I was a child, watching her shade and crosshatch with such expertise. I believe she was the one to start my passion for embellishment. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Currently my work is predominantly centered around bead embroidery. Using those beads in a fine art capacity to transform photographs of my own in addition to found images. Collectively I think the additive processes I use, bead embroidery, painting and mark making all serve to embellish the started surface. I aim to make a visually tactile surface for the onlooker. Even if they are unfamiliar with beadwork or painting they can immediately visually recognize the texture changes in a work . I am proud of the strides I have made in the past year to truly focus on making. Before the pandemic I was working full time and sneaking making into small moments here and there. Then our state shut down and I was out of work for months . I used that time to sell my work via my Instagram stories for the first time. Made large scale text based works. Started ideating for a second solo show. Applied for magazines and exhibits. Prioritizing myself and my making made me feel the most fulfilled I have in a long time. Even if in the moment I’m not sure I realized what I was doing for myself or the benefits of it. I got where I am today by working hard, failing and sometimes succeeding ! It definitely has not been easy and there is still more that I want to achieve for myself – I hope to one day soon make my living purely off of my artistic pursuits. Since late July I have been back at work part time and even that time away from my studio has been a tough adjustment. Aiming to make as much as I can and then some – focusing on branding and social media and all the awesome things ahead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Savannah is a beautiful city and the “winter” or our version of it, really is the best time to visit. Even outside of the design university Savannah has a rich arts community of makers, pop up events and small businesses to shop from. For sites and shopping I definitely recommend The Paris Market for all kinds of coffee table books, perfume and luxury home decor items. Madame Chrysanthemum is a tucked away treasure off of Whitaker street. Both a local florist and a charming boutique it’s a must if you’re in the area. Urban Poppy in the Starland area is also divine . Rocks on the Roof is awesome for a drink and appetizers and has an incredible view of the city and Savannah River. Treylor Park is a terrific local institution with awesome craft cocktails and good food. Circa 1875’s gastropub is also one of my favorites for a quiet romantic evening. Throughout the year pre- COVID you can count on many wonderful Maker’s Markets where artists and makers alike have their wares for purchase. These events are always terrific and a great way to shop small while connecting with locals.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely my mom and sisters for their continued support and encouragement with all I pursue. I also have immense gratitude to my partner for believing in me even when I can’t find it to believe in myself. We joke that he is my “studio manager” but really he’s the best for an outside perspective and pushing me out of my comfort zone,

Website: kamrynshawron.com
Instagram: kamrynleelu