Me and Cool People
N&O Article 2013
Single sketch leads Shawn “Dink” Densmore to a new career as an artist
News & Observer
OCTOBER 21, 2013
Single sketch leads Shawn “Dink” Densmore to a new career as an artist i Shawn “Dink” Densmore didn’t have any expectations when he sat down last spring and started fiddling with a drawing program on his iPad. But something about the process caught his attention. He decided to buy some pencils and a sketch pad and see what he could do. One month later, Densmore had completed his first street scene, based on a photo he took on the sidewalk outside downtown’s Tir Na nOg Irish Pub. Eighteen months later, he’s found steady work as an artist. Last week, Cimos bookstore hosted an opening for Densmore, its new artist-in-residence. The store, located at 111 E. Hargett St., will feature everything from his acrylics and pastels to T-shirts and greeting cards that incorporate historic Raleigh street scenes. It’s a whirlwind journey that Densmore, 43, says has him feeling like he’s finally found the right path, but he’s still getting used to all of the changes. Densmore’s work is now available downtown at Cimos, where he is the new artist-in-residence.
“This whole year and a half has been bizarre,” he said. Densmore, who moved to Raleigh as a teenager and graduated from Millbrook High School and N.C. State, never had taken an art class and didn’t expect art to ever be a major part of his life. But once he completed his first sketch, he found he couldn’t stop drawing. After a lifetime of being easily distracted, he could sit for hours to complete a piece. “I just literally couldn’t stop. It was the craziest thing,” he said. He started experimenting with other mediums as his friends dropped off boxes of old art supplies. When he ended up with a copy of the photograph editing program Photoshop, he taught himself that, too. As word spread among his friends about his artistic endeavors, he started to sell his work, even opening up a firm, Blunt Street, for his graphic and digital art. He also recently launched a video production company, Just Jack Media, with his girlfriend. Along the way, he came to a simple realization – “I’m going to make this happen” – though he’s quick to credit the friends and businesses who’ve helped him along the way with everything from a word of encouragement to hiring him for commercial jobs. Densmore doesn’t know why art clicked for him, but he knows it’s working – not just because he’s selling his pieces but because he feels more content than he ever did working in sales or real estate. “Until you’re doing something that makes you happy, you’re not going to love yourself,” he said
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/community/midtownraleighnews/article10281398.html 1/3 MIDTOWN RALEIGH NEWS
Resident Artist at cimos Books & gifts, Oct. 2013- Dec. 2013
My art, greeting card collection and some t-shirts were on display at cimos Book $ Gifts in Raleigh for 2 months. I met so many great people and sold a few works. We had a great opening night with catered food, wine, music and lots of people. You can still find some of my smaller pieces in the store.
My art, greeting card collection and some t-shirts were on display at cimos Book $ Gifts in Raleigh for 2 months. I met so many great people and sold a few works. We had a great opening night with catered food, wine, music and lots of people. You can still find some of my smaller pieces in the store.
Taste of Blount Street & City Market
I was the Creative Director for the 1st annual Taste of Blount Street and City Market. It was a huge success with 6 different restaurants providing fare and live music featuring the Backsliders. Not only did I have a booth to sell my goods, I designed the Logo, T-Shirts, and Flyers! 7/20/2013
I was the Creative Director for the 1st annual Taste of Blount Street and City Market. It was a huge success with 6 different restaurants providing fare and live music featuring the Backsliders. Not only did I have a booth to sell my goods, I designed the Logo, T-Shirts, and Flyers! 7/20/2013
Muse News
Presented this Abstract Pastel called "Olivia" to Olivia Wynn Lead Singer of Thomas Wynn and The Believers
Raw Raleigh Showcase February 6th, 2014 Lincoln Theater
I will be one of the featured artists at this showcase which also includes music, fashion and film! This is an exciting opportunity for all the up and coming artists involved. It will also bring other chances to showcase in other cities. Tickets for the event are $15 and you can get them at www.rawartists.org/dinksart.
I will be one of the featured artists at this showcase which also includes music, fashion and film! This is an exciting opportunity for all the up and coming artists involved. It will also bring other chances to showcase in other cities. Tickets for the event are $15 and you can get them at www.rawartists.org/dinksart.
Stone Carving with Paris Alexander, January 2014
In January, I will be assisting reknowned sculptor Paris Alexander with his beginner's stone carving class at the North Carolina Museum of Art. This is an incredible opportunity, not just because I'll be working with Paris, but I will get a chance to tell all these students how rewarding this class can be. For a little practice, I started carving the piece you see to the left, a Raleigh skyline in alabaster. This upcoming class is sold out, but I hope to be able to assist with more in the future.
In January, I will be assisting reknowned sculptor Paris Alexander with his beginner's stone carving class at the North Carolina Museum of Art. This is an incredible opportunity, not just because I'll be working with Paris, but I will get a chance to tell all these students how rewarding this class can be. For a little practice, I started carving the piece you see to the left, a Raleigh skyline in alabaster. This upcoming class is sold out, but I hope to be able to assist with more in the future.
First Friday, February 7th, 2014 at London Bridge Pub, Hargett Street
Wanna see the Christopher Walk-in cooler and booth art I designed, in person? Come on down to First Friday at London Bridge Pub. I'll also bring other original art pieces. Have a pint and enjoy the art!
Wanna see the Christopher Walk-in cooler and booth art I designed, in person? Come on down to First Friday at London Bridge Pub. I'll also bring other original art pieces. Have a pint and enjoy the art!
