Shawn Saumell (New York 1977), yankee born and rebel raised. Shawn has lived independent since the age of sixteen and has lived in many places, including but not limited to: New York, Oklahoma, Florida, Austin, Houston, New Mexico, and currently resides and works in Dallas.
Since early ages, Saumell has been interested and involved in the arts. Shawn began practicing photography in 1993, as his main medium. In recent years, he has added painting, drawing, sculpture, bookmaking, writing, and filmmaking (to name a few) to his talents.
Shawn has studied under such notable photographers and artists as: Janet Yoshii-Buenger, Christopher Mast, June Redford Van Cleef, Byrd Williams, Don Radke, Allison Gillies, Gary Washmon, Patricia Richards, Kathy Lovas, Laurie Weller, Tanya Synar, Susan kae Grant, Dr John Calabrese, Tomiko Jones, and Chris Dacre. Saumell received his AA cum laude from Collin College under Janet Yoshii-Buenger, and his BFA magna cum laude under Susan kae Grant from Texas Woman's University. He is currently completeling his MFA under Judith Barry at the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University.
His fine art is collected nationally and internationally. Saumell's work is included in such prestigious permanent collections, such as the Center for Fine Arts Photography, Brooklyn Art Library, and the Shah Alam Gallery, Malaysia. Saumell continues, against all odds, to create unique conceptual fine art as a contemporary contributor to the avant-garde.