Interview by 16 Blocks Reporter-at-Large Corliss Callan

This mural adds a colorful narrative to the side of P.R. Sturgill Fine Jewelry in downtown Radford. It uses a wide array of striking colors and iridescence to show a journey of personal growth through cicadas.

Morgan Short

Morgan: I believe art is important because it is a personal thing at times, but can also bring a sense of togetherness and pride to a community. Art helps communicate, evoke, and document specific thoughts and emotions and I think that makes it crucial for any society or culture. The work I’m doing now is very public, and I always try to view my piece as if I’m seeing it for the first time to make sure the message and feelings I want to evoke shine through.
Corliss: When did you begin creating large scale projects, and what was your inspiration?
MS: When I was a student at Christiansburg High School, I helped with a few of their large art projects – a mural in the cafeteria and a mural at the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library. Having worked on these projects helped me feel confident enough to submit a design to a call for artists the Town of Christiansburg had. That led to my first mural – the “Spirit of Cambria” on Depot Street in Christiansburg. The problem at the time was I had never done any outdoor paintings, worked on such a textured surface, or done anything close to that size (600 sq ft). Learning to trust my ability and to adapt while I was actively painting helped me along the way, and the community was so supportive and patient with me. Having community support and a personal desire to create things for others to enjoy helps inspire me and drives all my projects.
CC: Your work incorporates vibrant and contrasting colors… what are you favorite colors to work with and why?
MS: To me, life is all about the color we both see and feel and how we react to it. Because of this, color selection is significant in my work; I always take time to compare shades and see how different colors play off each other. Some of my favorite colors to work with are deep blues and greens because they blend so beautifully. A color I am always hesitant to use is pure black because of how quickly it can muddy other colors it’s mixed with. For this reason, I like to custom-mix my own black shades that blend much more nicely.
CC: Is there a specific environment or material that’s integral to your work?
MS: The environments for my outdoor projects are constantly changing, though I’m usually close to roads, train tracks, and public areas. Of course, the biggest obstacle is the weather, but I’ve learned you’ve got to be thankful for both the beautiful days you can paint and the rainy days that give you a little rest. Working outside can be distracting and dangerous if you’re not careful, so the most important thing is to have constant situational awareness. I will usually have one AirPod in to jam out on, but I always make sure I’ve got at least one ear open to listen for pedestrians and traffic. My ideal outdoor work environment is one where passersby engage in light conversation about my work and the community but also where they recognize I am currently working and respect my personal space and time.
CC: Describe your dream project…
MS: My absolute dream project would be working with an animal conservation organization and creating a huge piece that is engaging and educational. The welfare of wildlife and natural spaces is something I’m very passionate about and having the opportunity to highlight those would be a dream come true. Bonus points if it’s a project that members of the community can help paint and install.

This article first appeared in Print Issue #44 (Dec 2023)