Author And Publisher Shawayne Dunstan Shares His Perspective Of The Arts And Its Importance To Everyday Life

By David Jordan Jr

The ability to dream, create, and inspire is a unique gift that can have a profound impact upon the world and each individual living their lives. Art is a tool that, in many shapes and forms, impacts people, their emotions, their thoughts, and the ways in which they see life. Shawayne Dunstan is an artist who encompasses the heart, passion, and vision to inspire the world through his mind, vision, and pen. Living in Seoul, South Korea, he is an independent author and publisher. Having written and published thirteen independent poetry collections, Shawayne has been an artist who has used his pen to inspire, educate, and change the world one word at a time.

Recently, Shawayne spoke to ESHE about art, its meaning to him, and the importance of the arts in today’s society.

David Jordan Jr: When you hear the phrase “The Arts” what does that mean to you?

Shawayne Dunstan: The Arts means fluid motion and human expression to me. I feel that it is the transmutation of energy and thoughts into a visual, spiritual, emotional, and physical outlet. I believe the arts enable us as a community to cope with the harder things in life when standards and societal expectations aim to keep us in a box.

David Jordan Jr: Can you pinpoint the moment in your life when you were inspired to pick up a pen and share your creativity with words with the world?

Shawayne Dunstan: I was inspired by my middle school teacher to pick up a pen and evoke my inner world. She provided examples such as Lenard Cohen, Rupi Kaur, and Maya Angeleou. I was believed in and in exchange I hope others feel inspired and understood whenever they read my work. As I grew older and matured more, my inner world became more complex and vivid, so I wrote more, and writing has seemingly kept me sane and in tune with this world despite political influences and violence amuck.

David Jordan Jr: As an author and as a publisher, what do you feel is the most important part of the writing process that translates to readers?

Shawayne Dunstan: The most important part of writing that translates to readers is standing in excellence, remaining authentic and understanding that others are empowered by my world. Each listening ear is a chance to have a platform that holds the capacity to develop into a relation of common amazement and shared pain. I am able to connect with the inner child, which often is intimidated by the expectations of the world. My readers help ground me and fulfill the need that my presence and essence is a blessing despite the times I doubt myself.

David Jordan Jr: What inspires your creativity?

Shawayne Dunstan: My creativity is inspired by curiosity of the mind and heart, pain, and a shared understanding to keep moving forward. I am also inspired by new days, sunsets, and love for others. I often struggle with my identity as a black man so through my writing I try to empower others and make my ancestors proud.

David Jordan Jr: For an individual that may be seeking to explore their creative side, but is unsure of how to go forth with that desire, what advice would you give them?

Shawayne Dunstan: My advice to such an individual is to give the day and the arts a try in all capacities possible because creations deserve to be given a chance then perfected after. As we grow older, we often reminisce about what our attention could have been spent on. You don’t have to have all the answers at once however creativity is priceless in a world that often only values the monetary. Be the spark and listen to your heart. Try it all and then some, assuming failure only leads to heartache and breadcrumbs.

David Jordan Jr: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in your life?

Shawayne Dunstan: The best advice I received in my life is that others are genuinely curious about my story, however sometimes changing my environment makes all the difference. I internalized this by making art and poetry in public, speaking to strangers, and going places alone to network. Sometimes curiosity and an open mind can take you further than what you thought. It’s not always what you know, but who you know. People inspire me every day with their energy.