Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1540272
October/November 2025 | maconmagazine.com 103 G ermany born and Macon bred artist Shemika Bussey, owner of Fine Arts by Bussey, when conversing about one of the loves of her life, art, describes an action-packed way of creating and selling her products. She is calm, serious, and well-versed in her craft. The Central High School and Savannah State University alum says she loves helping others with art. From her kitchen—her favorite place to create—Bussey produces pieces that are thought provoking. How would you describe your art? Art for me is like breathing. It comes from an unknown place of happiness and feels really natural for me. I've always been creative since I was a little kid. I have ADHD. But I "convince" myself, when it's time to work on a project, to sit still so I can paint. How does your art make your clients feel? I really get a lot of stories. It's amazing that my art reaches people like that. People purchase art in general because of the way it makes them feel. I hope I impact people through my work, especially youth, to be inspirational and to help humanity. How does Macon stack up as a town artistically? Macon is still growing. I feel there should be more galleries promoting artists' work. The artists are amazing, but there's a gap between the galleries and the artists. The biggest point I've heard artists making is that their time and talent are valuable. Macon should do more to get artists known and compensated. What artists influenced you along the way? The folks that made Foxtrot in "Peanuts." They were the first. Jean- Where can we catch you or your work? I do art shows at galleries. I paint in my kitchen. It's not about where you're at, but where you're heading. I'm not in competition with anyone but myself. Special thanks to my art friends that have supported me along the way. I'm grateful to them for believing in me. Michael Basquiat later became a huge influence. He transcended art by doing what he wanted as a young Black male, who felt like all that was wanted from him was his art. He was one of the first artists that I researched. He sold the most artwork at the most expensive price as a living artist. He inspired me to stick to what I like to do. Shemika Bussey O W N E R , F I N E A R T S B Y B U S S E Y