Miriam Shufelt Art {Life}

Hey y’all!
We are so stoked that it’s finally Friday! We know that many of y’all have had a fantastic, very busy week and we wanted to kick off your weekend with a little bit of pretty! Miriam Shufelt is absolutely one of our favorite local artists; we are constantly inspired by her work. Her ability to capture the most special moments of a bride and groom’s big day through her live painting is incredible and her abstract paintings add joy to any room they’re in! We had the pleasure of chatting with her about her life as an artist. Keep reading to hear from Miriam and have a lovely weekend!

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{Tell us a little bit about you!}
​I was born and raised in Brandon, Mississippi where I currently live. I cultivated a love for art at a young age. Spending my summers at art camps, I learned the beauty and versatility of oil pastels, oil and acrylic paints.  
My family is everything to me.  My husband, Josh, is a physician assistant in Jackson and together we have a little boy, with another boy on the way! We are so blessed.  When I am not painting (or cleaning the house, or being mom, or being a wife), I am a family nurse practitioner in Brandon. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to care for others and work alongside my father, Richard Randolph, MD. We make quite the dynamic duo! I am thankful that my parents have always encouraged me to pursue my passions!

{Can you speak a little bit about the role being an artist plays in your life?}
About five years ago, I started a business from my third story apartment as a newlywed and a newly licensed registered nurse. One sweet little boy with another on the way, two houses, a family nurse practitioner degree, and 5 years of marriage later, somehow I’ve ended up here.  And I’m so blessed. I’m so thankful for this little art business that occupies such a big place in my heart. Balancing family time, my job as a nurse practitioner, and my art career has been a bit challenging at times. I have learned that when things get busy, I have to remind myself to focus on what is most important.  You can’t do it all. I would not be here without the love of my family, especially the support of my husband. If you were to ask me five years ago where I thought I would be today, I would have had major doubt that this would be the case.
The Lord has enabled me to use my gifts to bless others, and in turn, I am blessed from it.   “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

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{Where do you do the majority or your work?}
Currently, I do most of my painting in a room inside my home. A dream of mine would be to own my studio or have a little bit bigger space to work in.  I wish I could say that I that I have dedicated, uninterrupted hours to work, but that would be a lie. You learn how to paint through the sweetest of interruptions (especially the cute, brown-eyed toddler wanting to play in your paint).  Thankfully, I have a husband and family that keeps the little one occupied, so mom can get some work done.

​{What is your favorite thing to paint?}
Oh, it is way too hard to choose a favorite subject matter.  If I had to choose, I would say wedding scenes are the most special to me. Some of my other favorites are florals, abstracts, and landscapes.  I currently paint on gallery wrapped canvas and focus on textures, lines and metallics. I love to contrast neutrals with bright pops of color.  My unique linear abstracts and florals are the core of my work.

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{Do you have a favorite piece you’ve completed?}
My wedding scenes— I have always thrived under pressure. I set goals and deadlines for myself, lest they won’t get done. I think painting live at events, such as weddings, sets that same scenario for me.  When I begin a live painting, I have minimal distractions. It is just me, my paint, the canvas, and the scene in front of me. Guests get to enjoy watching the process unravel throughout the day/night. They really seem to enjoy it, and the bride and groom get to have a new showpiece from their biggest day to display in their home. It is always such an honor for me to be a part of these events.

I love working alongside some of the greatest vendors and planners in Mississippi.  I have to give a shout out to my friend, Kendall Poole Ellis. It has been such an honor to get to know her as a fellow female business owner (Kendall Poole Event Planning and Gifts by KPEP) and friend.  She is such an inspiration, as she works magic within every single one of her events. She could attest to the importance of balance. Balance is crucial when you wear many hats. I repeat, do not forget what is most important.      

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{Who are some of the artists you admire and get inspiration from?}
Teil Duncan Henley and Elaine Burge are two female artists I adore.  They are absolutely amazing at what they do, and I am always so inspired when I see their artwork.  
Christie Farese is hands down one of the female artists here in Mississippi that I admire.  Her use of pastels and delicate brushstrokes are just stunning.

{What’s your favorite part about being an artist in Mississippi?}
Mississippi has a great art community.  It has become even more appreciated in the last few years as art festivals have become a popular leisure activity.  I am honored to be a part of this growing community of artists here in Mississippi!

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{What advice would you give to any other aspiring female artist?}
Firstly, do what you brings you joy! If art is your passion, go for it! Don’t forget that your gift is a blessing! Get your work out there, whether it be on social media, or in galleries or retail stores! Don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back.  


You can keep up with Miriam by following her @miriam_shufelt_art, her Facebook page, and by checking out her website www.miriamshufeltart.com
You can purchase a piece of your own at Gifts by KPEP at the Renaissance in Ridgeland, Gift by KPEP in Oxford, Allyoops in Brandon, and Yates Building Supply in Philadelphia, and other retailers listed on Miriam's website.

-all photos of artwork provided by Miriam Shufelt- -First picture by Chandler Greenwood Photography- 

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