We recently connected with Shelly Cannon and have shared our conversation below.
Shelly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Learning how to make art is and has been a lifelong pursuit. I am somewhat obsessed with the creative process and love to share what works for me. Continually learning and evolving drives my creativity and contributions. And, always, my skill level. My learning has been both intuitive and structured. From the time I was small, I was amusing myself making things. I felt inspired realizing I could make something from nothing. And though I started college as an art major, my parents persuaded me to switch to communications/journalism. I don’t regret it as I’ve had a good career as a copywriter. That work, which has evolved to working with foundations, nonprofits, and creators, is still my bread and butter. But now, I’m making visual art again after two hiatuses. I did painting commissions and murals for years when my son was small. I also studied with a University of Chicago museum-level artist for more than five years (like going to grad school for fine art); that’s when I learned how to “see” and refine my painting. I did pen and ink drawings, sketches, and acrylic paintings. I also learned how to mix paints (still a challenge). But when I got divorced, I went back into writing copy full-time to support my family. So art-making got put on the back burner. Until recently. Now, I am painting again, implementing everything I’ve learned into my work now. Nothing was wasted time. And though life’s challenges slowed down my process, I believe that when we are aligned and ready, the universe rises up to meet us. And so here we are!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have been a storyteller and copywriter for decades, having evolved to working with nonprofits/foundations and creators to showcase their stories. I believe that both my storytelling and now my art are part of my purpose to inspire and lift up people. What lights me up about interviewing people is also what I love about making art: connecting with others through our shared humanity. This is a throughline in my work. I create because it not only enables self-expression but also makes me feel less lonely, bonding with others as we share our collective human experience. In a world fueled by technology overdrive and a pervasive feeling of isolation, this is no small thing. As I like to say, what makes us human connects us most of all.
As mentioned, I study and write about the creative process. Something that has captured my imagination for many years. It has made me a better writer and artist, and reinforces the idea that whatever we make, we are co-creating with the universe.
What sets me apart in all my creative contributions and something I’m proud of is a deep, abiding passion for making things as good as they can be. I kid around that people have to take things from my white-knuckled hands because I want to make them better. BUT, once I’ve reached that place where I’ve completely put my heart and soul into a project, I know it’s time to let it go. In my art, I explore themes inspired by the ocean, waves, and the natural world, finding ways to distill to their essence the many shapes I find in nature. I am traveling the path of fascination.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Yes! It’s hard to imagine any creator not having to pivot at some point. In my case, I was painting, doing commissions and murals, which were pretty lucrative but took me a long time. When I divorced, I made the decision to give up painting and returned to copywriting full-time to support my son. As if writing copy was the sure thing lol. I am still writing copy for a few phenomenal clients, but I am enjoying practicing my art by applying the creative process, discovering a growing spirituality, and embracing my love for visual storytelling.
Being endlessly inspired by the ocean, moving to San Diego a few years ago gave me the opportunity to live by the sea and I love it! The sheer energy and power of the ocean is pure bliss. Currently, I’m working on a new wave series, which is an abstract interpretation of water and waves; what a wave would look like if you froze it mid-air and could see all the shapes that form its composition. I hope my work brings to the viewer as much joy as I had in painting it. I recently decided to start selling paintings again so that’s exciting.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
This one is easy. It’s the joy and fulfillment of self-expression, sharing my perspective and view of the world and, as mentioned, connecting profoundly with people through my work. When my art resonates with people, I feel an even deeper connection. But art is subjective and personal, so first and foremost I make art that makes me happy. It is a soul-inspired endeavor, so much so that I have tremendous patience even for the trials and tribulations, which are part of being a creator.
My creative process is rooted in nature, being outside and, of course, by the ocean, also getting still and going within. Most of all, it’s about paying attention, looking for ideas everywhere around me. Being by, on or in water is scientifically proven to elevate your well-being (read Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols). The same with art … it improves your well-being on every level. I feel fortunate to be able to make a living as a creator, both with my writing and art, so gratitude is very much part of my daily existence. When I create, I have a sense of the sacred.
Contact Info:
- Website: Copywriting: shellycannoncreative.com
- Instagram: Art & Creative Process: IG @shellycannoncreates
- Linkedin: Shelly Cannon
Image Credits
Angela Garzon
Shelly Cannon