Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Shaley Renew.
Hi Morgan Shaley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Art has always been at the center of my life. I began drawing and painting as a child, and over the years that creative spark evolved into a deeper, more intentional practice. Recently, I’ve been fortunate to have my visual works displayed at a local jazz club as well as two local galleries; Rocbottom Studios and Gemini Arts, an experience which has been both exciting and humbling.
At 16, I was scouted by a modeling agent at my high school, which introduced me to the world of entertainment and performance. Those connections naturally led me into acting, a craft I began pursuing seriously around age 20. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in several locally produced feature films, short films, and music videos.
Each of my paths, be it painting, modeling, or acting feeds into the others, and I feel most fulfilled when I’m creating across disciplines. To me art is not just about expression, but also finding new ways to connect with others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many artists, I’ve had to navigate my own mental health along the way, which can be both a challenge and a source of creative insight. One particularly major setback was when COVID hit: it struck just as I finished filming my first feature, Bad Girls by Chris Bickel. We didn’t even get to premiere the film because of quarantine. The whole world shut down right as things were starting to open up for me, and that was a hard adjustment.
There have also been the more physical challenges, such as long, exhausting hours on set, sometimes in extreme heat or cold. It takes a real toll on your body and mind, especially in independent film where resources can be limited. But through it all, I’ve learned how much I love the work. The struggles have made the successes feel even more meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work spans a few different worlds; I’m an actress, a painter, and a model. As a painter, I focus on bold, emotive pieces that explore the surreal and the symbolic.
In modeling, I’m drawn to the storytelling aspect, something that naturally bridges into my acting. I’ve starred in several locally produced feature films, including Bad Girls, Pater Noster and the Mission of Light, Acorn, and Stuntgirl as well as several short films and music videos. I’m especially proud of the way I’ve been able to build a creative career across different mediums without compromising who I am.
What sets me apart is my willingness to be vulnerable in all forms of my art. Whether it’s on canvas or in front of a camera, I try to bring a sense of rawness and emotional honesty to everything I do. I enjoy exploring the darker or more complex sides of being human, and I hope that honesty resonates.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My best advice is to just start. Don’t wait until you feel “ready” or have everything figured out. Take that first step toward what you love, even if it’s small. When you’re actively creating and putting yourself out there, you’ll start to attract the right people. The mentors, collaborators, and opportunities tend to show up when you’re already in motion. Trust the process and stay open to connection, it’ll happen naturally!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm11463893/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganshaleyrenew?igsh=MWowOWduY3o3dHBheg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FvSTfBtW8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
