Today we’d like to introduce you to Shea Vititow.
Shea, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
First and foremost, I am a painter. I was raised in rural farm country of central California, my grandmother was a serious painter and I had a steady studio art practice even as a young girl practicing still life and observational studies by age five. Upon graduating with my degree in drawing and painting from California State University of Long Beach, I had the desire and vision of creating a refreshening platform for emerging artists to show their work and get connected to the art network and collectors – specifically a platform that supports artists in a manner that would be as beneficial for the artist to thrive as possible. I love giving artists a chance to take risks versus playing “safe” in a curatorial gallery environment. Mainly artists need “time” and “space”, and someone that trusts in them. It puts tears in my eyes to eyes because I empathize with the artist, I believe in them. All the while, I maintain my own painting practice and my studio is located in Los Angeles, California.
Has it been a smooth road?
There has been a few bumps in the road, but I like to see these challenges as a learning part of the process and sometimes we need to face hard situations in order to better prepare and strengthen ourselves for the more complex challenges. I like to look at things from as many perspectives as possible.
Please tell us more about your work. What else should we know?
I don’t like to draw too much attention to myself as being the “ego” of Grab Bag, rather I have always just wanted to lead by example and create this platform for the community. I’ve always known myself to be a painter before anything else, and still focus primarily on my own studio practice. I honestly love meeting other artists and seeing what people are creating.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I am not from Los Angeles, I had to work really hard to get here through school. I have instantly fell in love with the dynamic and movement of the city. It breathes… and no the traffic doesn’t bother me too much because I would still commute far on country roads back home.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3352 n San Fernando rd. Los Angeles, CA. 90065
- Website: www.grabbagstudio.com, www.shealosangeles.com
- Phone: 5592125883
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @grabbagstudio
- Other: @sheaneedsyoga
Image Credit:
35mm by Kelly Hamilton (portrait), Painting detail by Jacqueline Li
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.
