Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawna (Stroup) Billet.
Shawna, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Since I was a child, I had a fond interest in art. It was my escape from reality, as I spent most of my time day-dreaming and imagining the impossible. Fortunately, I had an amazing support system growing up and I greatly looked up to my Mother, Grandmother, and Uncles who were all very good at drawing and I did my best to imitate them. Growing up in North East Ohio, art and sports were my outlets. If I wasn’t creating an art piece I was boogie boarding on Lake Erie, snowboarding, dancing, or playing softball. As a high school student, I felt the struggle to express myself academically and knew that art was something that gave me that outlet that I was craving in my other subjects.
After graduation, I enrolled in college and majored in fine arts and minored in education. I had a painting professor who pushed me, who believed in my work and knew that I could do better. He was not afraid to tell me that my work was not good enough and that I needed to work harder. Through his honesty and kind push, I gained respect for his criticism as I knew he wanted to see me grow and develop my own voice artistically. His name was Harry Izenour. Harry was a professor of several of my art courses and he would often paint in the studio along with his students. I would spend hours watching him apply layer upon layers of paint to his work and analyzing each stroke made with a brush, palette knife or whatever scrap material that was laying around the studio. While he worked he spoke of his travels around the world and the exhibitions that he participated in, and most importantly the love he had for his family. I truly wanted to have a life like his and noticed that I was admiring his teaching qualities along the way. I continued my studies and graduated with honors.
My first job was at a high school where I worked for 8 years teaching art and was practicing my own work on the side. I participated in local art shows and events but found that my time was not equally invested in my work due to the number of hours I had committed into teaching. In 2013 I had the opportunity to move to Houston, TX with my husband as it would be a great change for us and our careers. From the moment we set foot in Houston, something happened to me. A new energy was found, I had become even more eager to learn, to create, and to show my work. Within the first year of being in Houston, I began showing my work in several Texas art galleries and shows. Over the last 5 years, I have participated in exhibitions in Galveston, Houston, Dallas, and Austin. In addition to creating fine art for galleries and exhibitions, I also work on custom artwork.
I have become increasingly more motivated the longer I reside in this beautiful, artistic city of Houston! There is such a strong artist community here and wherever I turn I am instantly inspired. I am also very fortunate to work for a school district that supports the arts. Yes, I am still an art educator and I love working with my students! Today, I have finally found the balance between having time for my students and having time for my own work. I would say this influence of balance has come from working in a school district that supports artists who teach.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My work is inspired by my travels and my everyday experiences. I am always thriving to try a new technique or apply a new approach to my work. I typically develop a new series every year or build upon an existing one. I work with acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil, ink, charcoal and graphite. My preferred medium is mixed media as I love the endless possibilities that you can achieve with layering contrasting materials.
If I am not working on a series you will find me working on commissions and pet portraits, as this is a fun alternative from my fine art collection. The consistent work keeps my skills fresh and it allows me time to work with patrons closely on their vision. The appreciation I get from my clients is what makes what I do worth it. I am always grateful to a patron who adorns their home, or office with my work.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Working in the studio can become a bit lonely at times as I need it quiet to focus. Collaborating and working with friends in the artist community makes it easier as we are all going through similar disconnects due to strict deadlines and the stress that comes along with the work. My best advice to anyone looking to connect with other artists is to get involved. Enroll in courses downtown, attend events and shows, join fine art meetups through social media, and collaborate with individuals in the industry.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Currently, I have work on display at: Art for the People Gallery, 1711 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704. Impulse Art, 15404 FM 529, Houston, TX 77095. You can also view my work on my website. Email me for information on artwork or commission inquiries. Follow me on Instagram: @shawna_stroup_billet_fineart and @shawnastroupbillet_petart.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shawnastroupbillet.com
- Email: fineart@shawnastroupbillet.com
- Instagram: @shawnastroupbillet_petart and @shawna_stroup_billet_fineart
Image Credit:
Shawna Stroup Billet
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