Artistry and Impact: Celebrating Black Culture with Ernest Shaw, the Baltimore-Based Painter, Teacher, and Artisan

Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art,' where Rob Lee brings to light the stories and inspirations of Ernest Shaw Jr., a Baltimore-based painter, teacher, and artisan, who creates vibrant and expressive artwork, painting narrative portraits of notable Black figures on canvas and community walls. As a native of West Baltimore and a product of Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore School for the Arts, Morgan State University, and Howard University, Shaw values perseverance, community, and integrity. With over two decades of experience in education, he sees teaching as an artistic medium and uses his skills to better the lives of others. Shaw's deep commitment to his craft and community shines through his impactful artwork, which celebrates and depicts the profound impact of Black culture in America. His work has garnered attention and has been exhibited in galleries and museums nationwide.

During this special feature:

• Shaw's art revolves around portraits of Black individuals from the diaspora, influenced by his childhood encounters with artwork, delving into the significance of representation and cultural identity.
• Exploring the emotional depth of color, Shaw's work takes on bold and vibrant hues, providing insight into his personal journey of coping with loss and grief.
• Delving into the thriving artistic community of Baltimore, Shaw highlights the power of support and collaboration among artists, shedding light on a positive and uplifting creative environment.
• Shaw's perspective on the transformative power of travel and cultural immersion for young artists offers valuable insights into the importance of diverse experiences in shaping artistic expression.
• Unraveling Shaw's sense of fulfillment and purpose, his passion for helping others and being of service opens up a discussion on art's ability to inspire change and impact lives.

Prepare for an exciting episode as Ernest discusses his artistic journey and the themes that inspire his work. Growing up in Baltimore, Shaw was exposed to art at a young age, which influenced his choice to pursue a career in the arts. He primarily focuses on creating portraits of black individuals, drawing inspiration from his upbringing and the first artwork he encountered. Shaw also shares his experience with color and how it has evolved throughout his career, particularly after the loss of his son. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's humanity and cultural identity in the face of adversity. Shaw highlights the supportive and collaborative nature of the Baltimore artist community, where artists celebrate each other's successes rather than competing. He encourages young artists to travel and engage with different cultures to broaden their perspectives. Shaw finds his greatest sense of freedom when he is helping others and being of service.

Mentioned in this episode:
Ernest Shaw's Website

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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