Inspired Interview: Shea Slemmer
This week I have the pleasure of posting an interview with Shea Slemmer, who part owner and operator of Flux Gallery in 5 Points. I really enjoyed this one and her view on the Jacksonville art scene as a blank slate. As someone who is actively considering moving away to a better scene and city, this gives me a different perspective and idea. Check it out, and be sure to check out her show on April 3rd at Flux!
Hell's Kitchen I
How did you get involved art in general, and painting specifically? My involvement with art is very much like breathing. It may have happened the moment I realized what type of life I am involved in. From that point on it has been a natural progression: find the tools, learn how to use them, realize the importance of experimentation, question everything, learn the rules, break them… one day I held a brush and it felt very comfortable in my hand. Painting is a visual language I enjoy using but not the only bridge I wish to navigate. My fear is using the same typeface on all of my letters. It is easy to fall neatly into a category just like everyone wants you to so I strive to explore different outlets.
What prompted you to open up Flux in 5 points? How has your experience been so far with it? Lemons. I am in Jacksonville. I make art. I want to show my art. I make lemonade.
Thus far my experience has been as challenging as I had hoped and even more rewarding than that. Another thing to keep in mind is that Flux is just a space. An empty room. It is a scratching post. Let’s not forget that. My experiences come from the creatives who venture in.
Describe your work. What are your influences, how do you get your inspiration? I am influenced by Humanism. Our nature as humans to evolve. I am literally inspired by everything. We cannot create without the scientist and cannot dance without the athlete. We overlap and intertwine… and sometimes that friction causes sparks. That is the inspiration that fuels me. I cannot completely describe my work yet as my work is not yet done. Besides, to do that would be to put myself into a category that may not hold me. I’m claustrophobic. That would never work.
Hell's Kitchen II
Connected to your influences and inspiration, who are your favorite artists and musicians? Ha ha ha….. impossible to communicate with a short answer. I will, however, happily sit down and discuss it with anyone who would like to.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? Your art? How do you see it evolving? I try not to be concerned with ten years from now. Evolution happens on a grander scale than that. There is no doubt that my direction will continually change but for now it comes naturally and I am happy. There is no need for speculation….only the pursuit of growth.
What shows have you been in lately? Come to Flux on April 3rd. There will be an exhibition of my work.
April 3rd 6-9pm, Flux Gallery in 5 Points
What are your thoughts regarding the Jacksonville art scene? Have any suggestions for improvement? Do you read any local jax blogs regularly? Jacksonville is a town where you have to be willing to make your own fun. Simply put: if you are bored then you are boring. The art scene is here, it is just slightly unorganized. I view Jacksonville as a blank slate and I’ve gotta say I am enjoying it. You can be or do anything you want with not many regulations holding you back.
There are many talented individuals who take action every day to make sure we have resources to continue making and showing our art. I regularly follow Urban Jacksonville, The Urban Core, Globatron, Jaxscene, The Outer Box, Bike Jax, Art Isn’t Rocket Science, Metro Jacksonville, Money Jungle Safari, Zombie Bikes….and my favorite new addition is Jax Reader (thanks guys for making my day more efficient).
Where can we see your work? What can we expect to see in the future? Hmmmmm….expectations. Well, you can expect me to continue to explore my surroundings. You can see samplings of my work at www.studios-shea.com if you are so inclined.
Hell's Kitchen III
Thanks again for spending some time and letting me interview you. I’ve been a big admirer of your work for quite some time. Any last parting words? I encourage every person that wants to move to a more “progressive” city to reconsider. Instead of telling me about what we lack, I want to see action. If you are a writer, then write about it. If you want to tag something then I have a project for you. If you are an artist then show your work. If you don’t know where to start then come see me and I will try my best to point you in a direction. GET INVOLVED. You will be pleasantly surprised just like I have been.
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Shea for the past year. She is not only über talented but one of the nicest and most genuine people I know. I encourage you all to support her, especially during a time when the Jacksonville arts scene needs her most!!!
Yea Shea! Girl, you rad.
[...] over at the Zeller.Press blog! Shea is an ultra cool person and a damn fine artist if ya ask me. Check out her interview! I really like the parts about the Jax art scene and making lemonade.Drink up people and be proud [...]
Shea has the attitude more people here need. Get out and do something instead of just talking about it. Its much easier then you think.
Your great great uncle Newton would have adored you. It is an honor to be in your family girlfriend!