Meet Shaylen Broughton | Abstract Artist & Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaylen Broughton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaylen, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk-taking is a major part of being an artist. We have to be willing to take big risks both in our work and creative process and with our business.

It was a huge risk for me to leave my corporate job as an interior designer to follow my passion and pursue art, I moved on faith, I knew it would be difficult and that I wasn’t going to get rich but it’s what made me happy. It was extremely hard at first. My husband was also starting his own business at the time and we had no financial backing, only passion, and discipline. I made it my priority to get out of my comfort zone and get well connected with my community. Eventually, things worked out, and here I am 8 years later.

I also have no problem taking risks with my artwork. I see mistakes as lessons and always have fun in the process. I have spent many years experimenting and trying things out that did not work at all in order to find the process I have now. I think especially when it comes to abstract work this is an essential part of finding your voice as an artist. Following the rules is a great way to learn but at some point, we have to push the boundaries and break the rules in order to grow.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I first decided I wanted to pursue art I actually had no idea what type of artist I wanted to be. I literally did anything and everything. I took commissions doing landscapes, dog portraits, you name it! I discovered my love for fluid art in 2015 during a meditation, where I would listen to binaural beats and just let go with watercolors and inks. I became obsessed with the fluid movement, and the feelings of peace it gave me. I was so surprised when I started to share these pieces on Instagram and people wanted to buy them! From there I really began experimenting with different mediums on canvas because I wanted to work large. At that point in time, there weren’t dedicated mediums for fluid art, so I had to make my own. I based my recipes on my knowledge of paint and mediums, thanks to my art school education. I struggled a lot at first. I sent a lot of the pieces I worked on in the beginning to the dump! As I stated before mistakes are not a waste, they are lessons! Fluid art has really helped me understand how to let go, and just enjoy the process instead of worrying so much about what it will be in the end. I think this is also an extremely important life lesson. Trust the journey and enjoy the process. In other words, just go with the flow!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, of course, I would have to show them the abundant art scene in Denver! We would take a day to check out Rino to see all of the murals and as many galleries as possible, Meow Wolf and the Art Museum.

I would take them to eat at my favorite vegan spots City, O’City, the Superfoods Bar, and So Radish.

I would also have to take them over to the Edgewater Public Market to do some shopping and dining! There are so many options there including several vegan eats and dairy-free ice cream!

We would take a day to explore boulder, there’s so much to do and see there!

And last but definitely not least (Depending on the time of year) I would take them for a hike, or to Copper Mountain which is my favorite mountain to ride!

Denver has so much to offer, I am sure I’m forgetting something!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my husband Christopher Broughton. He has been my biggest fan from the start. He always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I love you, Chris!

Website: www.sabartstudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabartstudio/?hl=en

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/sabartstudio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaylenamanda/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX1iTcOtltvWbnmvPztFQqQ

Other: Amazon Supply List https://www.amazon.com/shop/sabartstudio

Image Credits
Sarah Schultz Taylor (images 2 and 3)