Meet Shannon Hickman | Underground Sludge | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Hickman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was already creating art before I even thought of starting a business. It wasn’t until a friend of mine reached out for a custom piece that I realized I should start selling my art! So I built my website and it really all started coming together from there. Passion into profits.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create acrylic pour paintings using a variety of floetrol, oils, mediums, and other experimental additives. I’ve definitely gotten much better over the past 4 years or so. When starting out, it took me a while to get the hang of the perfect mixture. I’ve learned that it’s not so much the colors I choose to paint with, but more so that precise mixture of floetrol, mediums, oils, etc. It usually always comes together nicely once the pour settles correctly. If not, I’m usually stuck with cracks, lumps, wasted product, and a straight up sticky mess. Many of my paintings are digitally manipulated and converted to prints, clothing, phone cases, and other goods! I’ve also been dabbling in Photoshop, and incorporating different imagery and photographs into my art. This has been really exciting for me. The combination of acrylic paintings and digital art is really the niche I’m leaning into. All of my art is made with love in San Diego.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a loaded question! There are so many fun things to do in San Diego. Assuming the weather was perfect per usual, on one day I’d take them to one of my favorite picnic spots — either Kate Sessions or Morley Field in North Park. There would probably be a charcuterie board and wine involved. If they were down for some touristy stops, I’d take them to Balboa Park to walk around and check out a museum. There’s a really cool restaurant called Panama 66 in Balboa Park, too. We’d probably swing by there for a beer in the courtyard at some point. If it were safe, a proper rooftop boogie would also be a priority. I’d take them to Spin or the Porto Vista Hotel for a daytime show. One day, I’d have to take them to my favorite spot to get tacos — South Beach in Ocean Beach! This is the quintessential San Diego restaurant right on the water. The food is really inexpensive and the view is top-notch. I would also take them to Sunset Cliffs on one day to watch the sunset. I feel like this a must for anyone visiting San Diego.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom. She has always inspired me to be creative and explore those outlets. She’s also a creator of art, jewelry, and even costumes! I definitely get the right side of my brain from her.

Website: www.undergroundsludge.com

Instagram: @undergroundsludge

Facebook: Underground Sludge