Shacqeel Coleby is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22

Based in The Bahamas, Shacqeel Coleby is a digital and mixed media artist, known for his surreal and vintage-inspired collage illustrations. His work is largely inspired by culture, history and folklore.

Shacqeel's practice leverages both physical and digital mediums to retell and re-imagine the historic and cultural stories of countries around the world. He particularly enjoys exploring folklore and legends through the creation of elaborate and surreal illustrations.

As a Bahamian, Shacqeel's art is largely influenced by the nature, colors, culture and aesthetics of quintessential island life. A signature in his work is the depiction of tropical flora and fauna which is an ode to his small island upbringing.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How did you get started as an artist?

I've been a freelance graphic artist for over 10 years.

Although my professional title has the word 'artist' in it, I haven't always felt like a 'real artist'. As a graphic artist, my job is to create artwork that conveys messages, stories and perspectives that are not my own. Not to mention the 'critical feedback' from clients who couldn't care less about my 'artistic approach. I've felt very disconnected from my graphic art work for many years.

In 2020, when the world went on lockdown, I took that opportunity to create digital art that I actually did connect with. I reluctantly shared some of this art on social media and was pleasantly surprised by the positive feedback. Within a few months, I received an invitation from a gallery to participate in an exhibition. The rest is history!

How would you describe your artistic approach?

I consider myself to be a storyteller. In my work, I use a great deal of symbolism and surrealism to explain complex thoughts and explore how one thing can have many meanings.

While digital art is my primary medium, I enjoy layering various techniques and creating new techniques as part of my practice.

And how about what inspires you?

In a world obsessed with the future, I’ve found profound inspiration in the things that are old and storied. Through my travels to China, Italy and South America and visiting many museums along the way, I’ve grown a deep respect for the preservation and passing down of history, customs, folklore and heirlooms.

I also find a great deal of inspiration in nature and wildlife. Whenever I am in a big open natural space surrounded by animals, whether it be a forest or a canyon, I always get the feeling that there is something bigger than me at work. This feeling has been a huge source of peace and inspiration when I'm creatively blocked.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

Learning about the business and entrepreneurial side of being an artist has been a very steep learning curve. Creating beautiful art is one thing but selling art is something else entirely!

One year ago, I didn't even consider myself an artist and now I'm selling art to collectors all over the world. Developing a pricing structure, managing logistics, choosing the right materials for producing my art, appealing to a 'luxury' market, participating in exhibitions ... it's all been quite challenging but I'm grateful for the lessons I've learned and the ones I'm learning.

Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.

I typically wake up at 5am and walk downstairs to my studio (which is currently in my living room). Most of my work is done on my computer so I grab a few hours worth of snacks and work until noon.

Unless I have a tight deadline or I'm feeling super inspired, I typically spend the rest of the day running errands, spending time with my wife or 'meditating' (aka watching TV).

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

I am very interested in working with bronze and plaster casting to create surreal sculptures that can be used in my assemblages and collages.

What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?

I'm currently working on a collection of apparel and home goods that will launch during the holiday season!

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

As a new artist, still struggling to even own the 'artist' title, I am very humbled to have even been recognized among the sea of talented artists that have far more education and experience than I do.

I believe that this recognition is only confirmation that I'm doing exactly what I should be doing and I'm excited to see what's next.

See more of Shacqeel'’s work

Website