Shanon's Art & Inspirations

The pace has slowed dramatically, but the foundation has been laid. With the website makeover, payment processing implemented and now “owning” a shop on Etsy, more time is now free to spend on being creative, while spending more time with my children. I have begun to utilize photographs being taken as the basis for painting projects.

Currently, I have begun a piece consisting of ink and soon, watercolor. The vision for this set is somewhat abstract, combined with a contemporary feel. I also have two smaller pieces I will be working on; these pieces consist of a blue bird photographed over the winter and a hummingbird approaching a daffodil. These pieces are being completed at the special request of my daughters. However, I will share the outcomes.

Finally, I am preparing for the Three Rivers Art in the Park art fair, which will be held nearly four weeks from now. A few minor modifications to the booth may be made, but for the most part all is in place and ready to go for this event. My children are excited about working on art projects with me this summer and attending the next art fair. Perhaps there will be a collaborative project in our future?

Take care,

Shanon

The village of Winona Art Fair on June 4th and 5th went well. From setup to tear down, the whole experience was wonderful. Friday night the realization was quickly made that the simple display was going to need to be accented with furniture items. The goal was to give the sense that the viewer was standing in a very intimate gallery. Compared to more experienced artists, the display was quite simple, but many remarks were made as to how well it looked being the first art fair experience.



For years mostly family and friends have seen the work that I create and for the first time it was made more public and I was able to witness first responses to certain works. Over the course of this two day event, ninety degree weather, and a storm, I realized there are certainly risks, but also rewards with this type of event. I was so blessed by all those who made it out in the heat and humidity to be supportive and encouraging, and again, thank you. I also found I most enjoyed communicating with all the people stopping by the booth.

Following this experience, as well as conversations with individuals and my family, it seems as though continuing on the course I have been on for the past several months is a good idea. The foundation from the business aspect has already been laid. Contacts and mentors continue to provide advice and directions. And most importantly, my family absolutely loved being a part of the creative event. They again have encouraged me to continue moving forward – this is a blessing. As was mentioned before, the pursuit may not be as aggressive, but those closest and most important to me have solidified the notion to not completely give in and resort to an intermittent hobby.

Take care,

Shanon

Along with the solo exhibit that took place over the weekend, I was also given the opportunity to photograph a wedding. It was intimidating to say the least. I was concerned with capturing the photos the newlyweds desired, and definitely learned some lessons throughout the process. I hope the couple will be satisfied with the outcome of the photographs taken.

After the weekend, I shared my thoughts with my family regarding allowing the pursuit of art to be a lower priority. To my surprise, I was met with resounding encouragement to continue to move forward. My husband and children love seeing the creative process and are inspired to do the same. Most of all they shared with me they love seeing me pursue something close to my heart, and they know I love interacting with the people I have been meeting along the way. With this new light, I envision a more mellow endeavor - but active none the less.

Over the past few days I have also been reminded of several pieces I had envisioned painting: a husband and wife praying, a surrendered believer, joy, light, love, two young lovers embracing one another and individuals given for others. With summer nearly here, I am excited to have time to paint these visions - all while I am spending time with my daughters and inspiring them to be creative as well.

Take care,

Shanon

The exhibit at the Brew' Ha Coffee House on May 21st was a positive experience. I had the opportunity to speak with a local musician who spoke words of encouragement, especially regarding the initial steps of "being known" as an artist. I was also blessed by the attendance of some family and friends, and I am very appreciative of the connections a couple local artists were willing to facilitate. Most of all, I was extremely grateful for Kay's (the owner) willingness to allow me to set-up and display works.

Always looking for the lesson in every experience, my summary of this event was "now I know what I can improve and how long it takes to set-up the display". However, on a deeper level, I appreciated those who put forth the effort to be supportive and encouraging, as well as solidifying the conviction that time with those closest to me should never be sacrificed for the sake of being a "successful" artist.










By the way, some art viewed in the photographs are not my work, they are the works of local artists who also display at Brew'Ha.

Take care,

Shanon

With summer quickly approaching and various shows taking place, I am quickly realizing it takes a lot of time and energy to first produce quality works of photography and paintings, and second to produce an effective display which will cause individuals to be receptive to the art being exhibited. While the energy and resources may certainly be worth the effort, I am arriving to the conclusion that now is simply not the best time to be going so head strong.

The decision has been made to resign Shanon's Art to, once again, a hobby enjoyed when time allows. There are simply too many higher priorities, all of which deserve my whole hearted attention. This is not to say I will not continue with the commitments I have made. I will still be exhibiting at the Brew' Ha this Saturday, May 21st. I will also have a booth in the Village at Winona Art Fair and Three Rivers Art in the Park. However, I will not be actively pursuing additional dates.

As for the art, I hope to enjoy time creating again and sharing as they are completed. The site will be maintained and essentially utilized to share my hobby with the world, while also connecting with others. The latter is certainly a blessing and most enjoyable.

Take care,
Shanon

The Beautiful Day Ladies Conference went well, and a few pieces created for the event were sold. The prayer cards included nine different floral photographs, each coupled with one word and an accompanying prayer on the back. For those who purchased them, I believe they will be a blessing. The prayer card project will soon be both viewable and available for purchase here on the site.

The date for the solo exhibit at Brew’ Ha has been rescheduled from May 14th to May 21st, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The show will consist of recent landscape and floral photography, both in print format and on canvas. Also hoping to have a few paintings to introduce during this time, but time will tell.

One final update, I will be exhibiting photography during the Three Rivers Festival’s Art in the Park, on July 9th and 10th. I am looking forward to participating in this festival, as well as the one being held in June. As a reminder, photography will also be exhibited during the Village at Winona Art Fair, to be held June 4th and 5th. I would love to see, or meet, you there.

Take care,
Shanon

The showcase at the Expo went very well. There were many people interested in the photography portfolio, a couple interested in graphic design and a few interested in pet paintings. Pet paintings were not really considered, but if it is important for someone to capture there furry little loved one, then so be it. A photograph on canvas will be delivered to the individual whose name was drawn out of seventy entries. Finally, I had the pleasure of meeting some really wonderful people.

An application was submitted for photography at a Fort Wayne art festival last week, the jury was held this past Saturday. The outcome for this submission should be announced on or around March 31st. Special event artwork will be created and available for the Beautiful Day Ladies Conference , to be held at New Life Christian Church and World Outreach on April 16th. Additionally, a solo exhibit will be held at the Brew’ Ha Coffee House in Columbia City on May 14th.

Photographs continue to be compiled and utilized to produce video montages for The Center and their event to be held next April. Most recently, a book cover was designed utilizing a photograph recently taken. The individual connected through the internet and the inspired communication that has taken place has been a blessing. Please let me know if you have thoughts or suggestions for future works or exhibits, I would love to hear from you.

Take Care,
Shanon