Artist – Renay Shaffer
Renay Shaffer (Canadian, b. 1973) illustrates nature and animals in a detailed representational style that reflects a deep reverence for her subjects. Born in White
DROOL: When do you feel you first found success in the world of art, and how have you grown since then?
Katty Huertas: Success is hard to define I guess. I still feel I’m in the process of getting there but the moment everything clicked was when I realized I didn’t have to make stuff similar to what was out there to get some type of recognition.
DROOL: How did you discover your voice in art?
Katty: I always knew I liked to paint and draw figuratively. I tried many styles, some were more lines based and flat and others were more realistic both in shape and shading but in the end, my current style came naturally, the detailed painterly yet graphic work that I make now is how my brain and hands work so I don’t have to force it, just let it flow.
DROOL: What compels you to keep driving forward as an artist? How do you aspire to grow as an artist this year?
Katty: I’m driven by the fact that there’s no ceiling and that you can make art out of everything. There are so many incredible pieces that are yet to be made in the world. This year I want to keep pushing my craft and also start experimenting with other mediums, maybe papercuts and sculptures.
DROOL: What about dogs attracts you to them as subjects for your artwork?
Katty: The only other career I ever considered that wasn’t art-related was being a veterinarian and that’s because I’ve always loved dogs and animals in general and wanted to help them.
Something that really intrigues me about dogs is how different they can all be while still being part of the same species, one gets used to it but it’s funny to think a German Shepherd and a Miniature Pinscher are both dogs.
Another reason why I make art about dogs is because I think art is a great way to honor someone or something, and in my latest piece, the dog pattern I included my childhood dog who’s no longer with us as a way to remember him.
DROOL: If you had to choose one dog breed to characterize who you are, what breed would it be and why?
Katty: I love mutts just because they have a bit of everything and also tend to be the healthiest dogs. I try not to pay too much attention to breeds but I would say a shy but friendly dog would characterize me best.
DROOL: Anything else you want to share with the dog-loving humans of Earth?
Katty: To adopt if possible! There are so many good dogs in shelters right now that deserve a good home. And also cherish your companion for as long as you can, my dos was with us for almost 18 years and we were lucky to have him for so long but it still feels like it wasn’t enough.
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