Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawna Gilmore
Hi Shawna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the arts started when I was very young. I have two very creative parents, artistically skilled in their own ways. My interest grew into a passion in high school where under the guidance of an amazing art teacher, Mr. Lage, I developed techniques and an eye for seeing the world through the lens of art. I was honored to be selected for the Marie Walsh Art Foundation Scholarship the summer of my senior year and was able to train with professional artists from New York. It was the first time I understood this was actually a job someone could do.
I pursued a BFA degree in Studio Arts- Empasis on Drawing and Printmaking at UMD. Even though I was primarily focused on drawing and printmaking, I often blurred the line between these pursuits by using painting. It felt inevitable that I would paint someday. After college, I got married, moved around, worked a few secretarial jobs, and then began setting down roots again in Duluth.
Once we had our twins, I was compelled to process my new reality in the evenings when the babies were sleeping. It was invigorating to bring back a visual language for all the complicated and profound things I was experiencing. When the kids went to school full time, I was able to pour myself into my art practice full time. We converted our porch into my studio and I set to work. At the same time this was happening, my husband lost his job. It was a pivotal moment, do I push forward with faith that this is what I was meant to do, or do I set it aside out of fear. With my husband’s full support and belief in me, I decided to give my all to my work. The flexibility of my own schedule, meant I was able to be present for the kids after school or if they were home sick. What made this situation the perfect solution for me was that home inspired me, fed into my work and fueled my ideas. I began pumping out work at a frenetic pace as I built up a portfolio, submitting to endless shows, venues, calls for work, juried exhibitions, etc.
About ten years ago, I had two major exhibits in the span of six months. As I entered the social media scene, more and more people were becoming aware of my work. A few prominent bloggers and Instagram influencers shared a few of my paintings which broadened my reach. I’m thankful to now have my work in galleries in Duluth, Minneapolis, Palm Springs, CA and through an international online establishment. This journey has been up and down and all around, but when I keep my eyes set on making work I’m proud of and excited by, success feels subjective.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
See previous answer.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a visual artist creating narrative and surrealistic work that encourages the expansion of our imagination. I’m interested in creating entry points for the viewer to enter and explore storylines. I work primarily in acrylics on wood panels, but I enjoy stretching into different techniques and mediums as well. I enjoy a bit of humor and whimsy in my pieces as well as themes of nature, science fiction, pattern play, and interior/exterior combinations. Often my style fits well within the magic realism or surrealism catagory.
What does success mean to you?
Being able to create what brings me joy and sharing it with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shawnagilmore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawna_gilmore/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShawnaGilmoreArt/
