Have you ever felt like your inability to master a technical skill was a sign you should quit? In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant painter Shaina McCoy, who transformed a moment of classroom frustration into a profound artistic breakthrough. Shaina opens up about the courage it took to bypass traditional art school to protect her voice, the surprising way she colors her memories, and why she believes making a viewer feel is the ultimate measure of success. If you are struggling to embrace your unique limitations, this conversation might just change your perspective on what it means to be a master of your craft.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Shaina McCoy and Her Visual Language

02:16 Early Creative Roots and The Dream of Art School

05:54 The Assignment That Changed Everything: 30 Paintings in 3 Weeks

09:00 Finding Validation in Unexpected Places

11:09 The Choice to Avoid Art School to Protect the Work

15:33 Developing "Blind Faith" in Your Creative Voice

17:16 The Breakthrough: Permission to Stop Painting Faces

19:18 Sculpting with Oil: Mastering the Impasto Technique

20:56 Pop Pop's Archive: The Keeper of Family History

24:29 Color Theory and The emotional Weight of Memory

29:27 Redefining Success: Connection Over Prestige

Connect with Shaina:

Follow Shaina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wallflowermccoy

Shaina's Work:

• https://goodmothergallery.com/exhibitions/53-nice-to-finally-meet-you-group-exhibition-curated-los-angeles/works/

• https://www.simchowitz.com/exhibitions/shaina-mccoy#tab:slideshow

• https://shop.simchowitz.com/products/harmonica-2023

Support the Show

Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.

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