Interview with the sassy Clara "Shadow" Debnam

Artist Name: 

Clara Elizabeth Debnam, known to many as "Shadow" or Clara "Shadow" Debnam

Blog/Website:
www.claradebnam.com


Description of you art:

My previous work was a reflection of what I believed the world wanted to see, my current work is a reflection of what is best for me, my spirit...that inner man. And letting that from within lead and guide me. When I think about my work, my hope is that it is a depiction of life and not death. From the vibrate colors that I use, to the movement in the work as well as the movement brought forth in the creating process.

Places we can buy your Art:

www.claradebnam.com

James Huff's Gallery, Located downtown Winston Salem

When did you first realize that you wanted to do art?

At the art station in my Kindergarten classroom 

I would like to think that I came out the womb painting :)

How long have you been doing art?
Off and on since the age of 5

Were you formally trained ?
 I have taken several art classes over the course of my younger years (I say that like I'm old :)) But what I like to believe is that a true artist isn't made, their born.

What inspires you:

MUSIC, seeing other artist's work, my friends and family, 

Your favorite artist:

Lavon Williams, a wood carver out of Lexington Kentucky!!

Arts tool you cant live without:

Liquitex Heavy Body Paint, Robert Simmons paint brushes, and a high quality canvas and MUSIC

 Your Art goals:
To breathe life and love into the eyes that are blessed with the opportunity to view my work. To walk into any random person's home and find a piece of me there to share each and every moment with them.



Advice for other Artist: 
Accept criticism, find a mentor whose better than you...(as if anyone has the right to define what best is), realize early that painting is apart of your because you were BORN with it.  A quote to live by: "We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing.  Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generate action".