When Shawn Stewart picked up a paintbrush in 2017, he couldn’t have imagined where it would take him. The Atlanta-based artist never intended on becoming a painter, but after experimenting on a few canvases intended for his own home, Stewart was instantly inspired to create more.

I love how beautiful our individuality makes us as humans. Painting portraits allows me to help create a narrative around a person’s life, all by capturing their facial features as closely as possible. It’s like a road map of their life experiences.

Being an Atlanta [based] artist has a ton of benefits. Atlanta is extremely culturally progressive especially for artists of color. So there’s always an opportunity to use your skills in a meaningful and profitable way here.

I am most proud of my Marvin Gaye piece. I actually created this piece in an effort to challenge myself as an artist. To be as detailed and precise as I could be. And the end results were astonishing.

That when it all boils down to it, you're going to have to believe in yourself before anyone else will. People will doubt you and even go out of their way for you not to succeed. But as long as you’re passionate about what you do, and maintain the idea that you are or will be an amazing artist, no one can take that sentiment from you.

Normally I draw my inspiration from people who have influenced me positively. I also find an innate beauty in us as a community, and how much we’ve accomplished and overcome. So much strength and resilience can’t help but be admired.

Wak has always been a major influence for me in all aspects of being an artist. Dubelyoo has shown me a lot from a business aspect and has taught me a lot about certain techniques and mediums. There are a couple of artists that I’m personally good friends with as well like Talefero Sabation, and Mike J. just to name a few.

The most meaningful experience I’ve had with Jack Honey Art, Beats & Lyrics was at the first event I attended in 2020. I couldn’t believe how many people were in love with the art from our community. Not to mention all the amazing artists they were able to gather under one roof. It was mind-blowing for a new artist like myself. The platform alone has truly been a blessing.

Well for one, it gave my art a chance to be seen by people all over the country. Sets of eyes that never reach my social media or website. It also gives any artist a stamp of legitimacy to a certain extent. To be mentioned alongside some of the very artists that I look to for inspiration is so cool to me, and I’m humbled by the experience alone.

With a splash of Coke on the rocks.

I would like to be remembered as an artist who was fearless, passionate, and intentional about the art he created. I want to show new artists that aren’t classically trained, that as long as you believe in your art and your creative process, the rest will come.