About Me

As soon as Shannon was old enough to shove crayons in his mouth, his fixation with art began. Born in a rural town outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, Shannon was awed by his surroundings, explaining the heavy prevalence of celestial and natural bodies in his work. A morbid romantic, his pieces delight in a whimsical way, yet teeter into sardonity. Comforting in their often-nightmarish view, the works speak to children of all ages. Receiving no formal training, he has taught himself through the careful study of artists Thomas Wilmer Dewing, Maxfield Parrish, Arthur Rackham, Stephen Gammell, and the more contemporary visionary of Maurice Sendak, Tim Burton and Gris Grimly. A large portion of his work focuses on the charm of turn-of-the-pencils and oil on paper, an appreciation for a more antiquated time is seen not only in his subject, but also in the finish given to the work... done with decking and often times staining. This meticulous process creates a finished product that leaves a lasting impression.

Isabel Heblich, writer for the Star News in Wilmington, had this to say regarding his work; "If a dream could be performed like a surrealist play, Moulin Rouge with a new act every night, Stamey would draw the playbill. His illustration in oil and pencil on paper are styled after movie posters from the 1930s and lend themselves to narrative. A frozen frame alludes to its larger love story (his subjects are mostly beautiful women a la Greta Garbo). A sense of magic and nostalgia accompanies his art deco women, alabaster skin reflecting the moon's glow, as wine red skirt blows away into leaves across the page or a black dress becomes the umbrella its folds mimic. As in the children's books Stamey lived through vicariously while growing up in a trailer park in small town Lincolnton, he uses reoccurring object symbolism to illustrate his tales. 'I love umbrellas," Stamey said, "The first time I ever kissed a girl was in the rain: Shannon Dixon, last day of third grade."

After exhibiting and selling out a series of shows, Stamey was able to secure a cover of a popular recording artist and a horror anthology book cover. Moving forward to accomplish his dream of publishing his own illustrated works in children's literature, currently on the horizon for this young artist is a series of illustrated children's books. Having these works even considered to be published is a dream come true, who will not only illustrate but pen each story as well. Keep a close watch on the talents of Shannon Stamey, as presented by October Illustrations.