Who Are You? Shaylen Amanda Broughton

Where are you originally from (and what brought you here to Richmond)? 

I grew up in Ashland, moved to Savannah GA in 2008 for college (SCAD), and returned to RVA in 2012 after graduating. I came back to be closer to family. I actually didn’t plan to stay here longer than 2-3 years but I found a place in the art community and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

What got you into art and specifically your style?

I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember. My grandmother Grace was a professional portrait artist and taught me formally how to paint with oils and watercolors at a really young age. I continued studying art throughout grade school but when it came to choosing a major, I went practical and got my degree in interior design. After graduating and working in the field of hospitality for about two years I knew it wasn’t right for me. I started painting again as a way to let go of the stress and anxiety that I felt about my job at the time. I think I ended up posting a picture of one piece on Instagram and ended up getting some commissions from it…which made me realize my real passion had always been in painting, and maybe making a career of it wasn’t so crazy after all. It took me a while to really call myself an abstract artist. I painted a lot of different things like landscapes, portraits, pretty much anything people would ask of me. It wasn’t until I got into painting as a form of meditation that I became truly obsessed. It was a way for me to truly connect with my intuition instead of painting something I was looking at I was painting from my feelings alone and that practice became just as necessary as breathing. I’ve always had a difficult time communicating my emotions, this was a way for me to do that….and people were responding/connecting with it…which brought me so much joy.

Who are your influences, art, and life?

I get this question a lot. I’m never really sure how to answer. I like to name all of the abstract expressionists, and any artists I can think of….but really my inspiration comes from within…I really don’t like to compare myself to anyone else because I’m not anyone else..I’m me and I’m only capable of expressing what I have inside of me to express. That being said…I respect and admire the hell out of anyone living a truly creative life no matter what type of medium or platform. I love to hear their stories…look at/ listen to/read their work…it makes my heart truly happy to see successful artists out there doing things and living.

Where can we see your art?

You can find me at Crossroads Art Center here in Richmond, Bojuart in Virginia Beach and Laguna Art Gallery, in Laguna Beach CA. I also do pop-ups occasionally and will always post that information on my Instagram – @sabartstudio.

What visions you have (creative projects) or where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I have too many ideas, and I always feel like I’m still figuring myself out and I’m not sure I’ll ever stop. I’m definitely a “go with the flow” person, and I change my mind a lot. Which is why the fluid style works well for me (it can’t be tamed!) I definitely have some big ideas for 2020…but we will see where the wind takes me!