SHANY PORRAS
About | Shany Porras has a B.A. and a B.F.A. from Rice University in Houston, Texas. At Rice, Shany started as an architecture major, then transferred into the Fine Art program after her sophomore year, where she focused on painting and lithography, establishing a foundation of abstract art. Conception Arts and CAFA have awarded Shany’s art in juried shows. Shany currently maintains a studio in Framingham, and actively shows in both juried and groups shows around New England and New York City. Shany is an associate member of the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA).
Q&A
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? I was a young girl when I started to draw, and paint and create, probably like most kids. I also started playing piano at around age six. However, I knew that I was hooked on visual arts and music when I accompanied my mom to oil painting classes she was taking, learning to draw and paint the figure. When nap time came around, I would sneak out of my bed and either draw something I had seen in class or sit at my piano, practicing Chopin without touching the keys so I wouldn’t wake my family.
When did art become a pursuit? In high school, I pursued art and music aggressively. I was in band as a flute player, and then also joined the Houston Youth Symphony Orchestra. I took all the arts classes I needed to apply to architecture school, since I thought being an architect I could have a paying job while still doing art. I put music down during college and got my B.F.A. in painting and printmaking. After college, I maintained a studio while holding a day job. Eventually, corporate life and family life took over my time, so art was not a professional endeavor again until 2018.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I am formally educated in painting and printmaking with a BFA from Rice University in Houston, Texas. Now I focus on painting, although I’ve recently started to bring printing methods into my paintings to add symbols.
Translation No. 1 of Op. 87: Prelude no.22 in G minor. Moderato non troppo (D. Shostakovich), Mixed media on wood board
How did you first become involved with CAA? An artist friend, Jose Spencer, who is a member of CAA, told me about the organization. After looking into it, I knew I wanted to be involved.
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? In addition to CAA, I am also a member of National Association of Women Artists (NAWA). I was selected as a Fountain Street Artist ANNEX member this year, and held an opening show during the pandemic shut down. My family and I are patrons of The Clark Art and Tanglewood (BSO), frequenting their programs and volunteering.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? Artists (of all genres) are proof that humans are the more advanced creatures in the universe (as we know it). We, like scientists, question the norm, and search for answers, using creativity. A society that does not support artists reflects a society that is suffering politically and economically. It is one where it does not advance its society through arts and sciences, and a strong sense of its own moral and human value.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I work primarily with acrylic and water-based paints and a variety of pens, pencils, and mark-making tools. I also use a variety of transfer techniques. I am an impatient person, generally, so the drying time of acrylic paints suits me well. I also love that the paint can be used with many techniques to achieve different textures and levels of translucency.
Translation of Op. 87: Prelude no.22 in G minor. Moderato non troppo (D. Shostakovich), Acrylic on canvas
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I’ve been working on music translations since the beginning of 2019, so my subject matter is the language of music. I select music that moves me and then translate it into visual language in the form of abstract paintings. I have a lifetime of music to select from, but I also seek new music genres and musicians to be inspired by. I had a musician send me a CD recently, and there is a song on that CD that I find translatable. I will likely explore some paintings with it.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? I’ve been working on music translations since the beginning of 2019, so my subject matter is the language of music. I select music that moves me and then translate it into visual language in the form of abstract paintings. I have a lifetime of music to select from, but I also seek new music genres and musicians to be inspired by. I had a musician send me a CD recently, and there is a song on that CD that I find translatable. I will likely explore some paintings with it.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? I don’t have one favorite. I suppose this is a good thing since I feel like I haven’t achieved a favorite piece, yet. I do like some pieces I’ve translated by Shostakovich and Dave Matthews Band.
What is one of your artistic goals? I want to feel fluid in my art studio practice. This may sound elementary, but I do hope that one day I can go into my studio and create art without judgement. I just want my art to feel as authentic to me as possible.
Translation No. 2 of Op. 87: Prelude no.22 in G minor. Moderato non troppo (D. Shostakovich), Mixed media on wood board
What’s your favorite place to see art, and why? There are many places to find inspiration, but off the top of my head, my favorite museums are those that I can get to easily: The Clark Art Institute, the Rothko Chapel, The Rose Art Museum (Brandeis), The Harvard Art Museums. I also dream of revisiting the Menil Collection and The Musée de l’Orangerie.
What living artists are you inspired by? Lilian Garcia-Roig, Harry Moody, Gerhard Richter, Ai Weiwei, Sterling Ruby
Do you own any art by other artists? Is so, what artists? Willem de Kooning, Georges Rouault
Do you have any shows coming up? Yes? Depending on the pandemic social distancing requirements, Morini Gallery and The Berkshires Arts Festivals.
SEE MORE FROM SHANY!
Website: www.number5studios.com
Instagram: @number5studios
Facebook: @number5studios