Meet Shane Wolf | Visual Artist & Director

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

Hi Shane, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When taking a risk, I ask myself is this in alignment to my goals? Am I okay with losing my investment and gaining knowledge?

I’ve taken many risks some didn’t work out as I envisioned it, however I gained knowledge to do better. When I first decided to be a professional artist I put my art on a lot of t-shirts. My mother questioned if I was sure it’ll sale. At first I took that as an insult to my craft. But now I understand that she saw the risk factors I couldn’t see. Supply and demand. I took a financial lost, but gained wisdom. I also took a risk by becoming a full-time artist during the pandemic. I gained financial stability during those difficult times just from a leap of faith!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artwork consists of sculptures, traditional and digital paintings. I use a variety of mediums and ideas. What sets my work apart from others is my theatre, film, photography and music background. These influences often mix and harmonize to form visually striking work. Like a rubrics cube, there’s endless combinations and styles my work takes on. Most artists stick to a style or technique whereas I prefer exploration. My signature sculptures, Swabears were created as a way for me to share my voice against social injustice and emphasize humanity.

An easy path didn’t get me to where I’m at now. I had to give up my social life, lose friendships that fed my bad habits and experience financial instability. I created a schedule for myself and set time measured goals. In the past, I made excuses about it. Saying things like, “Everyone has their own pace” or “Great art takes time to complete”. Both statements are true, however one must admit when they’re aiming low and not challenging themselves. I found god momentum. I’m able to draw and paint with little amount of breaks and feel inspired daily. Confidence, consistency and purpose keeps me going.

I learned to be okay with 90%. 10% are the lessons learned for next time or things we can not change. That allowed me to complete work at a faster turnaround.

I would like to be an example of someone that got out of his own way and truly believed in himself no matter how many redirections I was given. I almost gave up on my art once at a time I felt broken. That was scary to ever think of quitting something I love. Yet, I persisted! I know my art is bigger than me with the potential to empower others. It’s more important to me that I treat each commission with respect and achieve beyond my clients expectations. Knowing that I created artwork that lit up your heart means more to me than the money.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m new to the city so I’ll end up giving you my tourist made itinerary. But if I wanted to show my best friend around, we’ll go visit the High Museum of Art. Stop at SluttyVegan ATL for vegetarian food packed with flavor. Go to Walmart in the morning and buy everything you don’t need. Visit the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta, have a skate night at Cascade. For drinks, we can try the “Revive me” or “New York Sour” at TalatMarket ATL (Thai spot). Attend a film or music festival.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother is my biggest supporter. Her sacrifices and advice has inspired me to be better.

Website: www.Shanewolfart.com

Instagram: Shanewolfartistry