Off the Clock: Shana Smith
Welcome to Off The Clock, a series that highlights UO employees and takes a closer look at what they like to do in their free time. (We have a lot of very talented employees!) This week, we meet up with Shana Smith, a Visual Merchandising Manager at our Chicago store, to learn more about her artistic side and how her art has changed over the years.
Hi Shana! Have you always been good at drawing? When did it click?
Yes I have. I don't remember a time when I was not drawing. I'm told that when I was two, I walked around with a pencil and paper; it was essentially my favorite toy. I think I was in 2nd grade when I realized that other kids couldn't draw what I could and in the 5th grade when I realized that it was something I was good at and enjoyed. I then went to an arts-focused middle/high shcool.
How do you chose the subjects for your portraits?
I actually use Instagram to find pictures of friends and people that I find interesting. I would love to take my own pictures of friends, but they tend to pose when you point a camera at them.
Is colored pencil your preferred medium? If so, why?
Yes, I work primarily with colored pencil and graphite. I love the practicality of the medium, as well as its rich, brilliant results. I'm interested in exploring color relationships on facial planes, while pushing the medium of colored pencil to its maxium potential.
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How has your style progressed?
I started drawing in graphite. I would look through National Geographic magazines for pictures of interesting faces. I didn't work in color then, but I started to in college and then expanded on it.
Has quarantine impacted your workflow or productivity?
No. I mostly draw when I'm moved by inspiration or I've been commissioned. I did, however, figure out what I would like my next move with my art to be.
Tell us about the art scene near you. Have you ever had your art in a gallery or organized your own show?
The art scene here is a good one. There's an art loop that happens once a month where galleries have open houses and there are a number of galleries and art communities. I have not had my own show, but hopefully sometime in the future.
Name and describe a work of art that was really influential or important to you.
There's a book that comes to mind: Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. It was written and illustrated by John Steptoe. I was really into it as a kid. I would read it all the time and just look at the pictures. The illustrations are remarkable. Check it out!