Shawn James: Beauty From Chaos

A few words written by a friend.

Shawn James might possibly be the most courageous, giving person I have ever met in my entire life.

Do you really want to know why?

Because Shawn’s story is harrowing and beautiful all at the same time. But many of life’s wonders are such great paradoxes.

When Shawn was a boy, his father murdered his mother. Yes, I said ‘murdered‘.

This wasn’t a typical, obviously visible murder. It was concealed with lies and deceit.

With no explanations and pure and utter confusion, Shawn grew up struggling.

No. Not struggling.

‘Barely surviving’ with the very concept of his mortality day in and day out.

With no real truths in his life to rely on, Shawn turned inward towards his soul.

His outlet became art and music.

He became a famous musician who toured around the world with bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among others.

His paintings have been showcased in some of the most exquisite galleries around the world.

He also chose, and continues to choose, to pay it forward every day he walks on this earth with every breath he takes.

Shawn founded the Greenpoint Gallery in 2003 to provide an environment that builds confidence through personally expression. A place where pure transparency not an option. It is required.

He has provided art classes, mentorship, music recording assistance, and financial assistance to inner city youth for his entire life charging only enough money ever to just survive.*

*If you don’t believe that last statement, at the time of this writing, the building currently does not have heat until the next bill can be paid.

He hosts Sunday dinners with strangers he welcomes from off the street and he works as a roofer on buildings during the day (he’s 57 years old – seriously?!?!?!) to buy the food.

On top of this, he suffered a stroke 3 years ago, right after the Covid-19 crisis, which literally destroyed the life-blood of his vision.

I’m not sure I’ve personally ever met anyone else who has given so much of his life to others with absolutely no expectation of anything in return.

But that is because he is ‘broken‘ in the traditional sense that society has brought people to believe.

His happiness and strength does not come from material possessions.

It comes from true friendship.

And, how is true friendship achieved in today’s crazy world?

By bringing together like-minded individuals who are unafraid to express their true selves with each other.

Freedom of guilt and expectation allow an individual to bloom.

Shawn James’ legacy is not founding the Greenpoint Gallery.

Shawn James’ legacy is influencing societal change with the most guerilla, boots-on-the-ground tactics he knows how: through empathy and compassion.

He is a living, breathing example of how we all should aspire to act each and every day.

I’m really, really proud to say I know you, Shawn. And I’m sorry that you’ve had to endure such pain and confusion.

You are one of the greatest individuals I have EVER met.

Thank you.

Thank you for showing us all how it’s fucking done.