We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shanna Allyn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shanna below.
Alright, Shanna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I developed a series of portraits, illustrating an abstract concept and visual metamorphosis of caterpillar emerging into butterfly through human portraiture.
I studied Biology in my undergrad and my focus was human anatomy with an interest focused on Medical Illustration.
I had an idea to document and photograph people and showcase the life cycle of a butterfly. Many of the portraits are documented in a “chrysalis stage” with natural and unnatural objects and fruit beside bold colorful staged backgrounds and natural landscapes.
This project was meaningful to me because I had a goal to illustrate an idea and be an author, publish a book.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I began using a camera in 2010 as a tool to document ideas. Just prior to this, I was living in New York City and working as a web editor in live television production in Manhattan. I was photographed by photographer Alison Brady and I remember sitting in hair and makeup and then having my portraits taken, knowing in that moment I didn’t want to be in front of the camera but that I wanted to do what she was doing-directing and taking other peoples portraits. I was inspired by the strangeness within her work and quirky darkness.
I began documenting back in Minnesota as my starting point . During this time, I connected with Australian author Anthea Paul to do some commissioned work for her. She had launched a website called Girlosophy, inspired by the road less traveled. She had also spent some time interviewing the Dali Lama. I was inspired by her adventurous nature and our similar paths and the beauty and light in her work. I found peace in what she was doing and I also shared a goal of being a published author. These two women inspired me in two very different ways.
I wanted to create an abstract concept while utilizing my background in Science with my emphasis on Medical Illustration. The butterfly is a very identifiable insect that is bold and beautiful as they go through one of the biggest transformations. I wanted to show transformation/metamorphosis in my work through human portraiture and sync it with the concept of a butterfly-from a signature egg portrait, to a caterpillar journey, a chrysalis stage and then emerged butterfly.
I’m most proud of the creative process and the interesting people I’ve met or known who were willing to sit in front of the lens. Each of us go through our own transformation. The world has went through and is going through massive transformation. I hope that my work reflects a positive and enlightening one.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I’m curious about entrepreneurs in general. In the past I have read several books and watched documentaries on Steve Jobs due to this new wave of technology. I own an apple iPhone and it’s just one new feature that can be quite necessary to function in modern society. It’s definitely changed the way in which we communicate and connect with one another.
We are bombarded with information with these advancements and the human brain is definitely taking in more information.
Technology has shaped transformation.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
A goal of mine is to be an author and publish my own visual book of portraiture.
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