I'm a painter from New Orleans living in Athens, Georgia. I graduated from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts in 2009. After studying at Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston for a year and spending an exchange semester at Queens College in New York, I returned home where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of New Orleans in 2014. 

I create to explore my spirituality and process the world around me. I like to think of my practice as a productive form of play, making pieces that I want to see, paint, and wear. I’m drawn to bold colors and sharp contrast. I use a variety of materials, including colored pencils, watercolors, gold leaf, and oil paint, to create work that is vibrant and textural.

The otherworldly quality of my pieces gives them a feeling of cheerfulness with an underlying darkness. They have an inherent narrative that unfolds throughout the painting process. As I paint, I weave together inspiration from memories, dreams, and ancient mythology, letting my characters reveal themselves at their own pace.

Describe your art in three words. Colorful, Surreal, Mythical

Describe yourself in one word. Sagittarius

What do you love the most about creating art in New Orleans? What particular part of your immediate environment, in your neighborhood specifically influences your work? Although I live in Athens, Georgia now, I think my work will always have a New Orleanian influence. Growing up with colorful costuming, Greek inspired street names and parades, and the playful atmosphere of constant creation, are a few examples of how New Orleans shaped me as an artist. 

Describe your creative process. Are there any rituals or rites of passage you exercise before you begin a new piece? I collect ideas, sketches, and photos that I refer back to while working. I will often have an idea for a while before I start a painting. Sometimes I’ll start and finish multiple paintings or drawings in one day. Some pieces I’ll work on for months before I feel that they're finished.

Where do you draw inspiration? I draw most of my inspiration from personal photos, Greek mythology, and statues and sculptures from antiquity. I like to listen to podcasts about history and mythology while I work, then look into the stories for visual source material later. 

Where can we find you when you are not creating art? When I'm not in my studio, I'm working at The Lyndon House Arts Center, going on walks, or visiting New Orleans!

What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?

I love the quietness of early mornings before the day really begins. 

What is something people don’t know about you? A fun fact.

I played the clarinet when I was a kid! 

Please message me if you are interested in local pickup. Some of my works are located in New Orleans and some are located in Athens, Georgia.

More works can be found at www.shelbylittle.com.

Please allow 7-14 days shipping for standard orders. All packages are shipped within the Continental United States through the USPS via Priority Mail with tracking and insurance. For international shipping prices, rush orders or commissions, log in and send me a private message through the messaging tool on my profile page.