Check out our interview with talented Canadian contemporary artist Lindsay Dawn.
Dawn experienced her career take off in the last year with a sold out solo show at ARUSHI Gallery in 2021. Her collectors include NBA stars LeBron James and Russell Westbrook and Kylie Jenner just to name a few. Dawn focuses on depicting the female body, that she combines with abstract and street art essences. She wants to empower women through her artwork and support body neutrality in a world where an unhealthy view on the female body has become the norm. She is constantly creating a space to explore the inner depth, complexity and beauty of the human spirit through that initial depiction of the female body.
Her newest endeavor is the launch of the NFT community, Shama Shorties, which is a limited NFT collection based on her paintings. A shocking low % of NFT’s are made by females – Shama Shorties is an all female-led project. Lindsay’s purpose with the NFT is to raise awareness about anti-human trafficking and removing the negative connotation of sexuality. This means you as a NFT holder support the causes and help raise awareness and down the road support by donations made by Shama Shorties to organizations involved in these areas.
Follow Lindsay @itslindsaydawn
Hi Lindsay, please tell us a little about you?
I am an artist, I like to create in multiple forms, but painting has my heart. I’m a little crazy.. I think laughter is the best medicine, and art is the reason we exist.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Creative, fearless, empathetic
Who is your role model?
My mom, my angel. She’s my driving force for everything I do. I want to accomplish everything she could have ever dreamed for me.
How did you get started into the art business?
The best way for me to answer this would be to say that it was never really a choice, I just knew I had to find a way to do what I love, and now I’m trying to find a way to change the world.
How has this changed your life?
My life is in constant change, everyday is something new. A new chance to create, expand, make an impact — wether it’s minuscule or something groundbreaking. There are so many of those “everything is different now” moments that I dont think I could pin point one moment when everything changed.
Tell us about Shama Shorties and about your NFT experience?
So, Arushi (my art dealer & business partner) and I decided that creating an NFT project was something we both viewed as inevitable as the world progresses, especially with technology playing such a key role in our everyday lives and creeping its way into the art world in new ways everyday. So having our own project seemed like the perfect crossroad between art, tech and community for us to venture into. We wanted to keep the focus on the collaborative aspect of the art world and the meta verse, so we found something that would maintain that theme. My art, in the form of a PFP Project — so my team and I formulated a digital version of characters based off of the consistent elements in my physical paintings. I named the project after my late mother so you can imagine the connection I have to every detail of what’s included in the project. We also wanted to create a utility based project, so there are real world benefits of being a Shama Shortie holder. We also have included a charity aspect into our project. As an artist it’s important to me not to stray away from my ‘Why’ so incorporating a way to give back and provide help to a cause for women was important. It’s definitely been a learning experience, I had to adopt a whole new vocabulary and I truly learn something new everyday. It’s also challenging, which I love. This is the first time I’ve worked on a project with a team and its been amazing, I will say though, that it would be impossible without the team I have behind me.
Do you think NFT’s are the future and where the market is going?
I think NFT’s are going to play a huge role in the future, like anything you’ll have people that are 100% on board and some people that will go the rest of their lives not knowing what an NFT is. But I really feel as technology continues to evolve, NFT’s will also evolve. In terms of the market, I can see there being an increase in utility based projects, I think that real world connection is something people will start to see the purpose in a little more as time goes on. I think seeing which projects withstand the test of time and why, will also have a direct impact on what kind of projects we see in the market.
Can you mention the top 3 challenges you had as an artist. And what mindset you had at the time to overcome those challenges?
Believing in myself. That was my first thought when it comes to challenges, overcoming that fear of failure was vital to believing in myself enough to know that I can do anything I set my mind to.
2. Not giving up. I think in any journey, especially any creative journey, there’s a million times where you just feel like giving up. My mom always used to tell me to take ‘baby steps’ when I felt that way, so shifting my perspective to what am I learning and how can I apply it helps me overcome that urge to give up.
3. Making meaningful art. Thats probably confusing to some people, but I’m in a constant state of trying to figure out how to make everything I create mean something and have the potential to make an impact.
Now tell us where the creative ideas comes from when you start creating your art?
I like to pull a lot of my inspiration from people. Which is funny because im actually very introverted. But experiences fuel me, it could be something as small as the color of someones shirt or as complex as the feelings I have about the human experience. That and love.
Tell us about the feeling of having big celebrity names as clients like NBA stars LeBron James and Russell Westbrook and Kylie Jenner That’s amazing! Congrats 🙂
Thank you! It’s definitely something I’m proud of. I feel blessed that my talents have reached the homes of people that inspire me and so many others.
What do you think is the secret to have a successful art social media channels?
Authenticity. Being genuine and authentic to who you are opposed to trying to control content too much. I think people sometimes forget that aside from the art half of the interest people have in artists is who they are as a human, so I think just being authentic is key.
Where we can view your catalog or work?
Shows is the best place, I feel like all art is better in person. I like to think of my work as an experience so I always encourage people to try and come to a show if they can. If not my website – lindsaydawnstudios.com has all the links to see everything online!
What mindsets helped making you so successful?
Never getting too comfortable!!!!
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in the business?
I try to separate ‘the business’ from ‘the art’ as much as possible so my vision doesn’t get clouded on either end. A good solid lesson that applies to both sides though would be to control what you can control and let the rest flow.
Name your top 3 favorite artists/painters?
Top 3 is hard because I have so many, but top 3 painters right now specifically — Tracey Emin, Bryant Giles and Mickalene Thomas
Any advice to entrepreneurs out there?
Believe in yourself and trust your vision.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
2 things — Take more photos of people, things and places you love. And dont forget to love yourself first. Why these 2, because self love is vital. And because moments in time are intangible.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Silent Assassin” or “Loving Mockingjay”
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Making an impact on people, I love when people tell me how much certain parts of my work has moved them. That and the release I get from getting those ideas and emotions and experiencing the physical manifestation of it.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Right now, kiwis
And your favorite cheat food?
I dont know if I would call it a cheat food, or a staple but french fries.
How would you explain your fashion style?
“Lindsay” because my style always depends on how I feel at that given time.
How would your best friend describe you?
She tells everyone I’m insane.
What’s next for Lindsay Dawn in 2022?
Next, I’m locked in right now creating for shows. Formulating ideas for my solo show this Fall is the next big thing.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Creativity.
How is a normal day in your life?
I dont know if any day in my life is normal, but if you’re looking for me 9 time out of 10 you can find me painting.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
I honestly dont even have the perfect idea of a Sunday because days of the week don’t really apply to my life these days. Everyday is just another day.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Living, Michele Lamy. Dead, Jimi Hendrix. I would love to pick their brains.
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
Music, art supplies, love.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Making waves and flourishing, I see myself expanding my mediums in all aspects.
Favorite song? Why?
I truly have too many to ever choose one, but right now I’ve been listening to a lot of Childish Gambino.
What music do you like?
Everything, it just depends on what mood I’m in.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s a useful tool to have in your tool box if you learn how to utilize it.
Where we can follow you?
@itslindsaydawn on all platforms and @lindsaydawnstudios also on IG.
