THE STROKE OF LOVE: SHAKO

THE STROKE OF LOVE:

SHAKO

Words by Amiyah Golden

Art has no bounds as it soars through the atmosphere with the ability to touch the souls of those who hold the paintbrush and those who bear witness to the imagination of the virtuoso.

The selection of a chosen medium that allows artists the ability to transfer their heart onto the blank canvas is gratifying yet vast. Symone, best known as “Shako,” chooses to express herself using the watercolor painting technique.

“The way it blends and layers together is so beautiful,” Shako conveyed as she chatted about her career as an artist in the city of Jacksonville.

As an artist born out of passion and curiosity her abilities have surpassed paint strokes on stark white paper to the handling of a tattoo gun engraving personalized stories into the skin of a client.

Growing up reading comic books, Shako felt inspired. Seeing the sequential art planted the seed of inspiration inside of her as a kid. The desire to create her own comic book was the revelation needed to set her on her journey.

Decades later, Shako has found her style as an artist. Her muse often being herself.

“My inspiration comes from the feelings I have, usually if I’m in love or have a crush or I’ve gotten my heart broken. That’ll inspire a new piece,”she shared.

Her painting “Dancing With Death” is just one example of a piece that represents the vulnerability of falling in love.

It is also Shako’s favorite piece at the moment and the first of many in a series she is currently working on.

Shako is premeditated in her processes — from the initial sketch to the final detail that ties the finished product together. With displayed intentions always serving a greater purpose such as her desire to connect with women in particular and “make people feel heard, seen, and loved,” her art exhibits just that through the unalloyed intensity she transfers to observers.

Love is a shared experience throughout human existence. and whether your dance with the emotion has been good, bad, or indifferent, Shako takes the time to create pieces that allow you to relate or sympathize.

As Shako continues to work on her current series, she doesn’t lack support from the local art community. With support from her mutuals, friends, and even strangers who stumble upon her art at showcases, it has been nothing but needed encouragement to persist in her craft.

When asked about where she sees herself in five to 10 years in the future, she shared a number of aspirations, revisiting that childhood dream of creating her own comic series — and a truly full-circle moment.

To keep up with Shako and her art you can follow her on Instagram: @ babyshako