Artist Shara Mays

We met up with artist, Shara Mays and asked her a few questions about what inspires here these days. Here's what she shared. 

Your name: Shara Mays

Your occupation: Painter

Where do you live: Oakland, CA

I've been creative my whole life. I was the kid that always liked having creative projects, from drawing to teaching myself how to knit. In High School, I took a photography class and never looked back. I have a BFA and an MFA (which I received later in life). After college, I worked as an art director and visual designer for retail companies for many years, yet at a certain point it wasn't fulfilling, so I switched back to fine art and painting.

I loved the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once. The cinematography and costume design were EPIC. The story was really beautiful as well LOL. Sometimes all it takes for me to like a film is the visual imagery. I'm catching up on reading right now, currently deep into The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead. My two favorite musical genres are R&B and Alt Folk/Rock, kind of an fun mix. On my current studio playlist you'll find Solange, Kelis, D'Angelo, Sam Amidon, Teyana Taylor, Mountain Man, Fleet Foxes, Devendra Banhart, Father John Misty, Erykah Badu. 

Wow, it informs my style quite a bit. I dress not only for style, but also for comfort and moveability. My personal style is kind of the opposite of my painting style. Visual maximalism belongs on the canvas, not on me. So, ironically, I like clothing that's simple yet well-made. 

Concerts and live music! I've already been to a few and I'm super ready for more. Hey, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival! When will you be back in real life? I'm not so patiently waiting!!!

Shara's Bryr clogs are the Maya sandal in fennel. Shop her look here. 

Shop Shara's Collection of clogs here.