Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Shannon Young.
Diana Shannon, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
From an early age, I was intrigued by concept and intricacies of creating visual art. Texture, shapes and the excitement or serenity that one color can make when juxtaposed next to another color was always a fascination. My art world has always been multifaceted. Forever the visual artist I have had much success as a gallery owner, a publisher, consultant and curator of Fine Art Exhibitions featuring my own work as well as established and emerging artist.
Today, my focus as an artist/curator is overwhelmed by the excitement and reignited energy for the visual arts especially and including artist of the African Diaspora. Traveling the US and the Caribbean over the last more than 20 years has been exciting and rewarding but my focus going forward is on the Art and Artist of Southern CA.
I have been juried, curated and invited to participate in numerous Southern California Art exhibitions and museum shows as an artist this year. Attending and participating in Art Basel Miami and other large national shows has been rewarding over the years.
However, I am also thrilled that I will implement several events this year introducing established and emerging artist by the establishment of a (yet to be titled) show that will be produced around California and showcased in museum spaces, retail spaces, historic locations, and corporate office venues. These juried short exhibitions or Pop Up Exhibits will assist and allow works of artist, exposure to a diverse collector base that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to be exposed to. Partnering with nonprofit organizations will increase the interest, education and ensure giving back to the community.
It’s an exciting time for Art and an exciting time to be an artist. Social media allows for the work of artist to be viewed all over the world creating already enthusiastic following to see the Artist works in person.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My artwork is unique, but I guess everyone can say that…LOL. My style is individual.
My abstract mixed media pieces dance with textures of soft and vibrant hues sometimes morphing into bold almost three dimensional brightly colored and textured florals. I have always been intrigued by color and texture. Used simultaneously the rough feel and the soft but vibrant hues set a mood for each painting whether on paper or canvas.
Primarily self-directed but inspired by the masters and other contemporary artist of the past and present. I was additionally intrigued by texture upon studying fine art printmaking with the past director of art at University of Cal Poly Pomona, Paul Merrill. Textures in Fine art printmaking including etchings and mono-printing encouraged thought-provoking collages imploring figures collaged with historic newspaper and magazine clippings draped or strategically placed fabrics of serious subjects such as voting rights, inspiring confidence in women and the history of blacks in America in a soft feminine auora which compels the attention of the viewer. You immediately know it is the work of Diana Shannon Young.
I invite you to enter my world where creativity is uninhibited and unstructured and the creative process is an imaginative, intuitive journey. Each piece embodies a piece of my heart and when it speaks to your heart, my creative process is complete.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
This is a phenomenal time to be any sort of creative. Social media allows you to propel your Artwork and ideas to the masses. Not everyone will like what you do but seek out the 20% that does and let them know how much you appreciate their support.
Online and print venues like VoyageLA is a catalyst on your journey to garnering exposure and encouraging you to be the best that you can be. Cities and Municipalities can create and implement more spaces devoted to the arts. As an artist, you must stay strong and be true to your passion.
Join my email list by clicking the link in my bio or dropping your email address in a comment section on one of my social media sites.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be seen online: Instagram: @dsyabstractart or @dianashannonyoungart
FB: D. Shannon Young-Artist, Websites: dsyabstractart.com; dshannonyoungart.com
Participating in a juried group museum exhibit: San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands, CA “Images of Black Culture, Life & History” February 1 thru February 28, 2019
One Woman Museum Show: Museum of African American Art Los Angeles, CA
(To Be Titled) April 19 thru Oct 30, 2019
Other 2019 Exhibitions: Harlem, NY Honolulu, HI New Orlenas, LA. Miami, FL.
Contact Info:
- Website: dsyabstractart.com and dshannonyoungart.com
- Phone: 951 536 2662
- Email: [email protected] [email protected]
- Instagram: @dsyabstracart and @dianashannonyoungart
- Facebook: D. Shannon Young-Artist
- Twitter: D. Shannon Young
Image Credit:
Diana Shannon Young
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
