Artist destined to perform
Model and actor Shayne Pax poses in Los Angeles’ Bellevue Park. Photos by Kristine Nguyen
By Tom Victoria
In a world of prickly thorns, there is a vibrant array of ruby roses in a resplendent garden of artistic creativity. At the epicenter is actor and model Shayne Pax figuratively and literally.
Along with Shayne’s latest photo shoot by Kristine Nguyen placing him amid the red flowers in Los Angeles’ Bellevue Park, his artistic efforts burst with creativity. However, determination is needed to pursue one’s passion. For Shayne, he had to defy expectations to fulfill his dream.
“I think every artist goes through their own version of Joseph Campbell’s ‘The Hero’s Journey,’” Shayne said about the biography of the American writer. “I don’t publicly talk about my adolescence very often. I was born into a family of athletes. In my family and in my town, it was expected that you would become an athlete.”
The reluctance to embrace artistic endeavors extended to the schools.
“Our academic system also punished students for taking art classes by taking .5 out of your GPA (grade point average), 3.5 GPA scale for art classes as opposed to the 4.0 GPA scale,” Shayne said.
Despite Shayne’s environment, he sought creativity.
“As a child, my natural proclivities rested in the arts,” he said. “I loved performance, painting, film, photography, style, dancing, etc. It was very difficult for me to shut off my artistic sensibilities in the adolescent years. I didn’t want to do sports. I was told I didn’t have an option. I didn’t believe that in my soul. I rebelled every step of the way, which caused huge rifts with people around me and mostly within myself.”
Back then was a challenging time for Shayne.
“I experienced a lot of emotional violence during those years and became very introverted, which went against my childhood nature,” he said. “However, I remained very rebellious toward authority. I always knew one day I’d run off to Los Angeles. I don’t know if it was running away or running towards something. I know I like to paint things with a rose-tinted paint brush sometimes, but much of my adolescence was a lonely and isolating road, as well as an attempt to reclaim my truest self. I know I am not a victim, and I am grateful for those years and the perspective they brought.”
Shayne encouraged others to support, not discourage the dreams of youth.
“I believe all children have inherent penchants and proclivities that should be encouraged and listened to, so they can bloom in truth,” he said. “I think children are inherently very wise.”
Shayne always knew his destiny.
“I’ve had a knowing that I am an artist for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I began creating YouTube videos, short films and sketches as a child with my friends. We quickly grew on the platform and had a considerable following. When I love something, I become passionately consumed by it. I knew the world of cinema was what I loved as a child. I wanted to enter that world and be a part of that ever-growing canvas.”
Shayne didn’t advertise his intentions.
“I didn’t really tell people in that small town in Massachusetts,” he said. “No one from my town had ever done something like that. When teachers would ask why I chose Los Angeles, I would give a trite response, such as ‘school.’”
College paved the way for Shayne’s journey.
“I struck up a quiet deal with my parents that if I got a scholarship to attend university in Los Angeles, I could live in the city and audition while studying,” he said. “I was tunnel-visioned. I barely spent time on campus and immediately ran off into the metropolis. In hindsight, I’m grateful I stayed in school. Young people in this city are very vulnerable to the darker sides of this industry. School gave me a haven to return home to when things got too dark.”
Shayne prioritized art over an easy buck.
“Navigating this industry has been like navigating a mine field,” he said. “My tendency has been to align myself more with the pure and avant-garde artists who are building their own lanes. This tendency has frustrated some people around me because, perhaps, it’s not the most immediate or commercially viable path at first. But it has always felt right to me.”
Shayne cited two qualities an artist needs.
“A strange balance of tenacity and serenity,” he said.
Shayne made his own film “Peridot,” which depicts the story of a gigolo, Gabriel, who strikes up an unlikely friendship an older woman who is a renowned author. Shayne, who also wrote and directed the film, portrays Gabriel as a simultaneously street-smart and vulnerable protagonist.
“I don’t find myself auditioning for many lead male roles like the character Gabriel,” he said. “I wish I did more. While it’s not autobiographical, I enjoyed playing Gabriel immensely. I hope this film opens up doors to play more characters who are not traditional, like Gabriel. I love the idea of playing characters from book adaptations with lots of subtext and nuance.”
More people in society wear clothing that is not traditionally associated with their respective genders, such as men wearing skirts. Shayne believes people should wear whatever style they wish in film, modeling and everyday life.
“I believe in authentic self-expression — as long as it rings true within you,” he said. “I think conformity and herd mentality can lead people away from their core. As a child, my cousins and neighbors would dress me in wild outfits, adorned costumes, huge feathery top hats and boas. They would paint my nails. We would put on mini-plays, re-enactments and faux concerts. I loved it. I never felt unnatural dressed like that. I always found expression through clothing to be fun. For me, style has always been more intuitive. I don’t hide behind clothes. I feel clothing should help express an essence that is already there.”
Shayne persevered to launch a career and eventually make his own film.
“I’ve heard the quote: ‘Any film that gets made is a miracle’ or something like that,” he said. “There are so many moving parts. So many elements have to work together cohesively to create the final vision. There were days on set where it felt like the whole world aligned for us to create magic and then there were days where it felt like pulling teeth. But that’s the beauty of making your own art: you get to mold the clay with what’s there on the day.”
Shayne’s journey is ongoing.
“I’ve found the artistic journey to be one of constant unraveling,” he said. “It’s never been a destination. I used to wish there would be a pivotal moment in which you settle and feel like ‘you’ve made it.’ However, the journey continues even beyond the breakthroughs. When things get dense, I try to remind myself that it’s a never-ending journey. I like to affirm, ‘the best hasn’t happened yet.’ And I hope that’s always true.”
Shayne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaynepax/
Peridot’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peridot.film/
Story on Peridot: https://www.gridnews.net/profiles/young-actors-movie-shines