Artsy Mondays
Thanks for joining me for Artsy Mondays! Today I am excited to welcome Shannon Donovan! As an Art Curator, I exhibited Shannon’s photographs as a part of InFocus Photo Exhibit & Awards 2020. The exhibit had a wonderful launch at the beginning of February, just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world. InFocus, which usually runs February and March, stayed up on the gallery walls at the Renaissance Hotel at the Edmonton International Airport until May 2020.
The theme of InFocus 2020 was “Change” and it was more fitting than I could have ever anticipated.
I want to take this opportunity to offer another big CONGRATS to Shannon Donovan for her following distinction:
INFOCUS PHOTO 2020 PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER
Prize:
$200 Gift Card to Vistek
+
Award plaque from the InFocus printing partner Technicare
CONGRATULATIONS SHANNON DONOVAN!
Photographer Shannon Donovan, winner of the InFocus Photo 2020 People’s Choice Award. Shannon is holding her winner plaque printed by Technicare.
I’m delighted to welcome Shannon Donovan to Artsy Mondays!
I hope you enjoy Shannon’s photographer Q&A. Thanks for reading!
Photographer Interview
Shannon Donovan
When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?
I began taking photographs as a child. I received an SLR in my early teens, which provided an exciting new way of creating images and I knew from that point forward that I wanted to continue in that field.
Who are the photographers and artists that have had the greatest influence on you and why?
So many artists are producing great work nationally and internationally. It’s difficult to choose; however, Annie Leibovitz, Ansel Adams, and Henri Cartier-Bresson’s work have been influential. Also, Rebecca Belmore, Yoko Ono, Lynn Hershman Leeson, and Robert Rauschenberg.
What is the inspiration behind your photographs?
I am inspired by daily life, changing landscape and the solitude of nature. My subject matter ranges from unique architecture and landscapes to surreal imagery and concepts of illness. I gravitate toward narratives involving history, time and mortality.
What was the most unique person or place you’ve photographed?
In 2015, I visited the Normandy region in France. I photographed the view from a World War II casemate overlooking the English Channel at Pointe du Hoc, which was a little intense considering the history.
What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?
Keep going. Learn as much as you can. Keep making work.
If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?
I think the ability to heal would be amazing.
Where is your favorite travel destination?
I love to travel and experience new places, though I’m partial to visiting Cape Breton where I was born.
When you’re not photographing, what are your favorite hobbies?
In addition to photography, my other interests include video, installation and painting. I also like to read and recharge by spending time in nature.
What do you most enjoy about being a part of InFocus Photo?
I enjoy being part of a national exhibition and seeing the amazing work by other artists.
Thank you for the opportunity to exhibit my work.
Where can people find you online?
My work can be found on Instagram: @shanin21c and my website: shannondonovan.ca
ATTENTION ARTISTS!
OPEN CALL
Word-and-Image: Creative Crossovers
September 16 to November 4, 2020
Books are not only for words and canvases not only for paint. Experience how words and visual art collide to create innovative creative crossovers that touch us on multiple levels. Relationships between words, art, and meaning are explored.
Details and Application
Important Dates:
Apply by Monday, August 10, 2020.
Acceptance confirmation by Monday, August 24, 2020.
Exhibition dates: September 16 – November 4, 2020.
Stay tuned for all my “calls for submissions” for artwork.
Subscribe to my e-newsletter to have these opportunities sent right to you.
“Fortitude”
$1,375.00
Original artwork to bring your home to life!
Artwork Description:
- This piece is from the “Joy + Passion” painting series
- 2018
- By Alexis Marie Chute
- Acrylic on canvas
- 32×32 in, framed
ABOUT THE TRILOGY
The 8th Island Trilogy includes Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. Over the three books, we follow the adventures of a quirky family, the Wellsleys. The main characters are frumpy senior citizen Archie, his daughter-in-law, Tessa, and his ill fourteen-year-old granddaughter Ella.
Archie, searching for his missing son, accidentally transports his family—and a cruise ship full of people—to a magical planet. There, they uncover the truth: all worlds are dying. Yet hope is not lost. A way to restore all that will soon be destroyed is revealed, along with the realization that Ella will play a role no one could have imagined—especially not her.
On the mysterious island of Jarr-Wya, many races of creatures battle for dominion and magic lurks around every corner. When the world falls dark, that is when bravery must shine the brightest, and the Wellsleys will reveal the strength they never knew they possessed—as well as the power of love to save the day.
Follow the virtual book tour for Inside the Sun, book three in The 8th Island Trilogy
