Special to the LPJ
With two major universities housed within this parish, the quality and quantity of talent that blossoms in our area is in no short supply. A lot of that talent comes from all over the world, but sometimes you only need to look in your own back yard to realize just how much of it is home grown right here on Lincoln Parish soil.
A native of Ruston, La., Shamar White has been creating art since he could hold a pencil in his hand. Since the tender age of three to four years old, White loved to recreate the cartoons he watched on television. From there, he says his passion for creating just continued to grow. Anyone who has seen his most recent works can attest to the fact that his skills have more than kept up with his passion.
Choosing to stay close to home, White attended Grambling State University. There he continued pursuing his art, even outside of the classroom curriculum. Along with other local artists, he worked to bring the Greenwood Community Mural to life in late 2022.
White also participated in the North Central Louisiana Arts Council’s annual Peach Art Exhibit for many years. White was awarded 1st Place in the Adult Drawing category in 2023. Most recently he secured both 3rd Place and an Honorable Mention award for his two entries in the same category this year. White has also showcased his works in other events around our community including the City of Grambling’s Juneteenth Heritage Festival. White graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from Grambling State University in December of 2023.
White favors working with Prismacolor pencils, oil paints and digital design tools for his works. His creations include everything from large scale decorative wall pieces to logos, clothing graphics, posters, album covers and more. He says he is very inspired by the works of American artists, Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Since graduating, he says that he has been focusing on pursuing not only his own art but also networking with other creatives and potential clients alike. When asked what message he hopes to convey to others through his works, he didn’t hesitate with his answer.
“You can’t go wrong in art. Don’t beat yourself up trying to be perfect. You can be comfortable in your own art and still get the point across,” says White.
He loves seeing the reactions people have to his creations. At 24 years old, White says he really feels like he can do something with his talent and skills long term. He acknowledges that it is a blessing to be able to do something he loves while also providing support for his family and that is just what he plans to continue pursuing. In the next five years he hopes to expand his clothing line and see his art on display in more places than just here close to home.
White currently has three pieces on display in the 2024 NCLAC Peach Art Exhibit. The exhibit will remain on display at the Lincoln Parish Library through July 1st. To see more of White’s work you can follow him on Instagram at shamarszn.
