Last week, the Witches’ Brew put out a call for   peformers, artists, dancers, jugglers (and most importantly mimes) to show us their passion for their passion. Tons of Brewchies submitted their  diverse works and I can’t wait to share them in the coming weeks!  So, without fuh-tha a’do, let’s meet our first Brewchie with Talent!

Shadra Strickland

Shadra Strickland, is  a Baltimore based illustrator who does the most fantasic whimsical work.  Check her out: shadrastrickland.com

(“Shopping All Day Witch” Hint: check out the shop section for lovely prints for sale!)

 Training: Syracuse University (Go Cuse!) B.F.A. Illustration; School of Visual Arts M.F.A. Illustration

What inspires you?: Mainly, great stories, but I am inspired also by new people, places, and ideas.

How many years have you created?  I have drawn and painted  for as long as I can remember. In elementary school, my mother enrolled  me in art classes during the summers and as after school enrichment. In high school I was a part of the fine arts talent center and I knew I wanted to be an artist professionally, so it made sense to go to a really strong academic school with a strong art program.

Who are your influences?: Currently I am working with collage and am looking at a lot of Romare Bearden. My earliest picture book influences were Jerry Pinkney, Ezra Jack Keats, Pat Cummings, Tom Feelings, and John Steptoe.

What would you do, if you couldn’t create? I would become an advocate for other artists.

Describe your process: My process varies, but I always begin with a strong concept for every project. From there I create tons of thumbnails and then move on to more finished drawings and then I paint!

What do you want to get out of your art, what do you want to give to others through it? I enjoy the sharing that goes along with making books for children. I like the idea that my art inspires young people and helps them understand some of the more difficult issues that they may face in life.

 **Come back every Friday to meet a new talented Brewchie!