- carole epp
introducing...Shane Weaver

Where do you currently live?
Currently I am living in Toronto. I moved here when I was 18 to go to art school and I love it!
Tell us the best thing about that city.
FOOD! I love food. I love having access to everything I need when I need it. I love being able to get around easily without a car and to be able to have access to a multitude of shops and galleries to get the creative juices flowing.
If you didn’t live there you’d love to live…..
Hands down New York City. I love the vibe and the grittiness of the city.
Out side of ceramic art what other types of art/design/fashion etc are you drawn to and does it influence your work?
I am definitely drawn to cross stitching and other needle point work. I draw a lot of inspiration from cross stitch patterns since they are so similar to the 8-bit video game imagery that inspires most of my work.

If you couldn’t be an artist next best job would be:
Working as a Lego sculpture assembler. Best dream job EVER! Other than being a potter of course!
What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in the name of art?
Back in art school I wove a tapestry out of hundreds of gumballs that I pierced using a rusty nail. I probably should have checked to make sure my tetanus booster was up to date before I started...
No cheating what’s the book beside your bed?
Bridget Jones Diary. And no, I am not ashamed!
If you could exhibit your work alongside any artist, alive or dead who would you want to show with?
I would have loved to do collaborative work with Andy Warhal. Or at least just have been one of his Factory buddies.

Name someone everyone should follow on instragram:
@Ayumihorie. LOVE!
Best tip you’ve ever been given on how to be an artist:
Never get a full time job outside of your practice. The first few years out of school are going to be hell but with a lot of hard work and blood, sweat, and tear things do get easier. Just stay in the studio and make, make, make!

Favorite thing to listen to in the studio:
I listen to a lot of audio books. Its a great way to combine "reading" and working. That or Britney Spears haha
Creative blocks? How do you fix them?
I go to the gym. Its my alone time that is just for me. Its routine and I can think. I also take 20 minute showers multiple times a day. The water helps me think.