Conversations with the Inspiring Shannon Dillon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Dillon.

Shannon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My love for the arts started at an early age. As a child, I would always be looking forward to my art classes, eager to create something new and beautiful. By the time I transitioned into college though, something had shifted; I questioned how I would be able to support myself by being an artist. Just as we all can do from time to time, I told myself I wasn’t good enough. Two years of my college career, I searched for another degree that seemed more pragmatic. In these two years, I was stressed, disconnected, and lost.

With lots of self-work, I decided to journey back to what I loved and dove headfirst into the art program at the University of Utah. My love for the arts was reborn and all I wanted to do was share that with the world. The magic of art education opened up to me and I knew this is where I belonged. Not only could I keep creating artwork for myself and others, but I could make art practice accessible to EVERYone.

When I first moved to Denver, I found Michelle and her studio MBodied Arts, where art therapy and art education co-exist for those seeking out self-care and creative like-minded people. This is now where I have been happily teaching painting and drawing for almost three years! My students are now my community and the MBodied Arts studio is my home away from home… I am so grateful to say that about my workspace!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As soon as I decided that the arts would be my journey and my community, I knew there would be struggles within myself: self-doubt, constant comparing to other artists, and the fight to be noticed in a world where men still dominate. I never made it into any art galleries in college and critiques were my worst nightmare. My first real job related to art (painting backdrops for an Opera Company House) I managed to get because my professor told the employer who hired 3 men out of my class, that he needed to hire a female as well.

My advice to females everywhere, not only in the art world, is this: The journey is never going to be easy and there will always be those better than you at your skillset, but together we can inspire each other to thrive and succeed in a world that is still and may always be adjusting. We are in this together to lift each other up! Do not compare because it can be the downfall of inspiration and momentum and I also speak on behalf of living and growing up in the midst of social media as a major form of communication, identification, and marketing.

Currently, if you want the world to see your art or your business, you have to use social media to increase your exposure. Be genuine and try not to get discouraged, because this is the only way to make art and teach what is real to you and in return, this can aid in the love for yourself… which I think, is MOST important not only to be happy but to make this world a better place. As someone who is very sensitive and vulnerable, as most artists can be, I’m finally reaching a place where I feel strong enough to be my authentic self and this is due to my community and my thoughts and actions I choose to choose everyday. The journey is never-ending and never linear, it’s a quality circle of self-awareness and improvement, embrace it and have fun. 🙂

What should we know about MBodied Art Studio? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
If I have to label myself, I am an artist and art educator, but I’d like to think of myself as a curious learner and advocate for the arts.

As a painter, I specialize in a style I think would be classified as abstract surrealism. I like to create a space that could exist in one’s dreams, where reality doesn’t just limit itself to tangible, familiar objects and organisms, but where shapes and colors can play and enhance the beauty of life that already exists. Most of my paintings contain subject matter of the nude female form because she is beautiful and empowers and helps other women (including myself!) to feel no shame, but pride for every inch of who they are. I also love animals, flowers, abstract forms… it’s quite difficult to limit myself when I’m so curious as a teacher and a learner!

I have a degree in Art Education specialized in painting and drawing, which is what I teach, but I think my specialty is providing a space where genuine connections can be made… whether that is creating lessons accessible and clear for all learners, making it safe to be vulnerable while making friends and creating art, or building trust with my amazing students. My favorite moment where I find great pride and success is when my students make artwork that makes them say, “I can’t believe I did that.” I LOVE when I surprise myself so when I see my student’s doing the same I know how amazing and special that feeling can be.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to listen and have a space where I may have 10-15 students, but I also can maintain that intimate connection with each and every one of them. I also like to think I make art fun no matter how challenging it can be sometimes mentally and physically.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
On a positive note, the art industry for females has definitely come a long way, even in just the past couple of years. The percentage of women artists who are being shown in museums has increased, but it has always been smaller than the percentage of men in museums. The number of females and male artists is half and half… so why has this remained this way?

My outlook on it is that there is still a bias that most of what we see and hear about is artistic genius being male. This is what we grew up learning about whether you took art history or not: Monet, Van Gogh, Da Vinci.. even in the contemporary world we hear the name Banksy, Pollock, or Andy Warhol. We’re dealing with a society that has learned more about male accomplishments than female accomplishments… a society where we still haven’t had a female president.

These barriers are real and as a teacher, I feel responsible to educate and give light to female artists like I do with my O’Keeffe flower workshop for example. WE need to keep discussing this bias and celebrating female artists and accomplishments within our schools and within our society to keep moving forward with more equal opportunities and chances for everyone.

Pricing:

• $137 for a Monthly Membership at MBodied Art Studio
• Pricing for commissions and paintings from Shannon vary depending on detail and size.

Contact Info:

• Address: 8120 Sheridan Blvd Ste 200 B
  Westminster, Colorado 80003
• Website: https://www.mbodiedarts.com/
• Phone: (720) 443-1994
• Email: shannon@mbodiedarts.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munchkincreations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbodied/
• Other: https://www.munchkincreations.com/

Image Credit:
The Painted Pixel

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