Sugar Skull Shoes

The crazy trend of candy skulls, has had people wanting me to paint and design different things. Shoes are what I've been working on for the past two years. When I say "working" on them, I seriously mean tediously taking a lot of time perfecting their details. A magnifying glass would really help me out! Unfortunately, I am just now learning the hard way.

The sugar skulls concept designs are so exciting. I absolutely love coming up with new details, and idea's to put together. Following the shoe's measurements are a different story. I have to visually "shrink" my art to fit each tight area. For example, around the laces on tennis shoes, or around the curves on high heels. Imagining very detailed images, and having to readjust their positioning is tricky! 

Each color is a blend into an entirely different shade. When I work with markers and acrylics, I am down to a limited selection. So, what can I do? Well, slowly fade a thin layer into a thick layer. It's all I've got! But, hey... it works!

Anyway, my next ideas are Barbie heads, faces, paintings, backpacks, purses, and custom pieces. Sugar skulls are so fun, even though they take so much time to finish! Both of my pictures being shared are sold. Let me know if you want to order anything shonnanelson85@gmail.com

Juxtapoz Inspirations

The San Francisco contemporary magazine has influenced a lot of my pieces, for years. I remember roaming around our bookstores, here in Knoxville Tennessee and being memorized by each months cover. Traditional paintings are widely popular here (in the south). So, of course contemporary art is considered controversial - not as much today as it was 15 years ago. The demographics are changing constantly, and many westerners and northerners are bringing their skills around Knoxville. It's wonderful! I can't help but get excited about new cultures sharing their passions.

Anyway, back to Juxtapoz. I've interacted with many artists and publishers within their company. The best part is, unlike other companies or galleries - they're not afraid to publish the underground artists. Those who scribble provocative things, graffiti, modern, surreal, and (my favorite) "edgy" realism.

There comes a beautiful moment in life for artists, and that is accepting a "taught" schooled skill, or breaking the mold to express individuality. Personally, with my roots coming from my very conservative grandmother (floral artist) Ida Bland - I've developed a structure. Although, refusing to obey the realistic social standards, I've kept my identity. Isn't that what being an artist is about? No restrictions and pure freedom.