While many artists are exploring elements of the outer world, the inner world is left to many curiosities. Questioning psychological and metaphysical themes of one’s self are of great interest. Metaphors of the human figure and other allegorical figures represent many ideas and philosophies found in my work. Throughout the history, or canon, of art there are many art and scientific processes invented and discovered. It is interesting to re-explore what was discovered, what was overlooked, and what remained undiscovered. By reevaluating antiquarian processes and techniques, I am able to rediscover old ideas, as well as uncover new ones. Since the bulk of my work is considered either alternative process or experimental, some aspects may come across as incidental, but are definitely not accidental. Whether combining two or more processes, or inventing a new one, I am able to contribute to the avant-garde in contemporary art. Besides the content of my work, the process is forever evolving and growing in originality and complexity. Commitment to alternative and experimental processes through original techniques and methodologies seems obvious. In today’s world of contemporary art, the general flow is integrating towards digital. The artist’s hand is becoming removed from the work. It is challenging, yet attainable to find compromises between analog and digital, the old and the new. Intention can make or break validity in a work of art. I am known to be an artist who goes against the grain of the masses. The world needs more than one popular point-of-view carried by one collective movement. Humanity begs for diversity in ideas and valid interpretations. More valuable than a blunt statement is an image that represents a plethora, or web, of relative ideas and can be subject to multiple interpretations; this is how an art piece becomes a conversation piece. What is a philosopher worth without opinion or direction? As an artist, it is a duty to add elements of conceptual sublimination, such as clues to my feelings or intent. Entities and elements within my work carry actual meaning, but their raison d’être is to make others feel. Feeling provokes question, question invokes thought, and thought evokes knowledge. My global appeal is to provide the world with another point-of-view, from ideas to art, theology to thought, politics to perspectives, and science to sight using complex and experimental unique conceptual methodologies. We are all in this world together and must work together if there are any hopes of social and intellectual progression. Art is a well known intellectual stimulant, as well as a great record of where past civilizations were as a whole and how life may have been through social constructs, in addition to nature. Our time on this earth, at this given moment, has great affect and has everything to do with how we will become as an existence. Art is one way to establish voice and identity to insight change and understanding towards a common goal of truth. There are many artists, past and present, to be inspired by. Other artwork is not typically an influential factor in my work. There are some similarities discovered between my work and some other masters, but not specifically aware before conception or production there of. I am inspired by nature, curiosity, question, possibility, memory, truth, and all of the experiences of senses. Art is my expression and reaction to society, psychology, experiences, religion, and politics. Art, to me, is a guide through life. There are many things in my mind and this world, many of which, I do not understand. The process of fine art is a healing method in which I am able to exercise thoughts, feelings, memories, and understanding through this gift of cleansing and guide to the truth. - Shawn Saumell