Meet Savanna Nelson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Savanna Nelson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up I always knew I loved to draw and paint, and if you asked me 15 years ago what I wanted to be when I grew up I would exclaim ” an artist!” and the more I learned about what being an artist means, I could not have imagined being anything else.

I think now if someone asked me the same question, I would tell them I want to be doing something I love when I grow up and to think that I’m on my way to whatever that will be is an outstanding feeling.

In high school, I had an amazing mentor that helped me realize being an artist was something totally tangible for me. I had a lot of opposing forces when deciding on what to go to college for, that most definitely swayed this “impractical decision” I was making.

But since making the decision to continue my education in the field I had always had my heart set on, I have only learned and grown in ways that have helped me understand, fall in love with, and strive for more within the artistic community and myself as a young artist. I am still learning about all of the nooks, crannies, and opportunities of the community and to say I’m excited is an understatement.

MassArt has helped me dive head first into learning about everything art can be, and everything I can do as an artist. I am constantly learning about who I am as a painter, a thinker, and a problem solver. Through trial and error, interactions, practice, reading, succeeding, and of course failing, I am so grateful for this initial platform for growth.

I think college thus far has given me more insight than I could have ever imagined on who I am growing into, what makes me excited to wake up in the morning and what doesn’t work for me as an artist.

Has it been a smooth road?
Before coming to art school and being surrounded by all different types of artists, I don’t think I realized how alone I had been in my interests. I also did not realize how vital it can be to surround yourself with those with similar interests; because of how much you learn from those you surround yourself with.

You can only get so much from reading and gushing about something you’re interested in, but to have the opportunity to discuss, and be challenged by others with similar passions is so unique. I am so thankful to my fellow artists; I have learned the most from those I am learning with.

I am so grateful for those who have shaped me into the woman I am today and even more so for those who have shaped me into the artist, I am today. I have had great support in my decision to further myself as an artist, and even if my decisions were not always understood, my loved ones have never faltered to support me in the path I have chosen for myself.

I think not feeling understood can be hindered at times, but to remind myself that I am supported and loved, and the fact that I have amazing peers who are just as passionate about art is more than I could have ever ask for.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your work as an artist.
My absolute favorite part of being a painter is color. I have always been infatuated with unnatural hues, fluorescents, and saturated pigments. I think my work really reflects that.

As much as my art has changed over the years, my color palette definitely has not. I would loosely consider myself a portraitist, but I would never want to limit myself to that title. I have always painted people, specifically my peers, and always in nonrealistic colors.

The way color not only interacts with itself, coming forward, falling back, warm and cool tones, and everything our eyes don’t even realize color can do. The authority I have an artist over the color in my work is invigorating. To bring colors together and portray something in the way I see it is such a unique feeling.

I live for learning, as nerdy as that sounds, and staying involved in the art community is also incredibly important to me as an artist. I am a double major in not only painting but art history. It is really important to me to not only learn about artists that came before me but what is currently happening for artists today. My ideal dream job would be to open a museum to highlight how mind-boggling and creative artists of today can be.

But until then, I have been trying to participate, get involved in, and put on as many shows with fellow artists as possible. To create opportunities for artists like myself to showcase their work is my ultimate goal. I’m trying to rack in as much practice and experience possible in order to help create those opportunities.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I hope for big shifts and lots of changes! I am excited about the future and what is next for me and where my endeavors and accomplishments will take me.

There is a lot up in the air right now, I am young, and there is a whole world out there for me to explore and figure out what is right for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://savannanelson.portfoliobox.net
• Email: savannanelson714@yahoo.com
• Instagram: savannanels

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