We were lucky to catch up with Shannon Barnes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Taking a risk is something that is not new to me. I can’t explain why, but even as a young child I understood that taking risks meant growth through facing fears. Typically, the fear of failing or the fear of loss will prevent us from takin a risk. I still hear the old saying, “better the devil you know than the devil you do not” While I understand the meaning under this proverb, my question was always, “Why does it have to be a devil?” Good things do not come from the devil; he has come to steal, kill, and destroy! Taking risks is how we grow and learn. So why would taking a risk, or stepping into an unknown be a negative? Yes, I may fail, and yes I may lose, but I will still learn and grow from the experience.
The epic risk I have taken as an artist is to publicly display my artworks. It is a very humbling and frightening experience. Every spectator that views my work is a critique. They will have an opinion. They will judge me. I will never know their true thoughts because people filter their thoughts. For years, I would create paintings and only give them to family. Many paintings were hidden in my studio and then thrown away never to be seen by another set of eyes. One day I realized this was not productive, not growth, and I was only wasting money. So, I began taking the risks of showing my art works to more family and friends, and then acquaintances, and then strangers. Taking this risk helped me to grow in my confidence. It grew my skill set, and it grew my passion. It also gave me a thicker skin to handle criticism.
That epic risk led to financial risks. I had to make decisions regarding opening a gallery or trusting someone / something else to promote my work and my brand. As I made these decisions, many of the people who love me warned me that I was not realistic. Some said I was not making wise financial choices. Others mocked me and poked fun at me to my face. Yes, that was very hurtful. But, the risk was worth it to me, and so I stayed the path. I specifically remember one financial risk that required a lot of creative problem solving simply because I did not have the funds. I figured it out, pulled from resources, and moved forward.
Does this story have a happy ending? The answer is yes. While I did not recoup all of the financial investments I have made (at least not yet, but it is not over), I have gained in so many ways that I consider the risks well worth it. That journey has led me to places and experiences that would not have happened without the risks. At the present time, I have a following of collectors who purchase my work. At the present time, we are expanding our gallery presence outside of our home town. At the present time, I have been invited to VIP events with world renown artist. In the near future, I have the honor of participating in an artists’ retreat hosted by a world renown artist. I look forward to learning from his insight and God given talents.
If I had not taken the risks, I would still be painting in my studio only to throw the paintings away. I would still be in a prison of fear.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was raised in North Georgia by a father who was an accountant by profession, but an artist by calling. I grew up watching in create masterpieces and he spent much time with me drawing my favorite super hero Wonder Woman. He was a quiet man who did not say much, but when he did speak it was with authority and wisdom. I dabbled with drawing and paintings because it seemed to make sense, but as I became an adult I moved away from the arts and I went into the mental health field. Treating mental health is a type of ministry and it brought me joy to help others.
In 2011, my dad passed away. After his death, I leaned into painting for comfort. My first painting was of the three crosses at Calvary. I remember hearing the same statement in my head, “take it to the cross.” At the time I did not realize this was actually a lyric from an old Christian song. My passion grew from there and I created my studio and began the learning process. I tried learning through a variety of resources such as videos and art classes at the parks and recreational facilities in my home town. It all felt superficial. These were great resources, but I was not learning the fundamentals that are needed. I was not learning how to develop my skill set. I was simply “playing artist.” Eventually I returned to academia to take formal art classes. I finally learned the fundamentals needed to develop a skill set and my own style. I am still a work in progress.
As a gallery owner, not only am I an artist, but I soon realized a strong need exists in my area for art appraising. I completed a certification course so I could offer these services through the gallery. This certification came with an unexpected bonus. It gave me insight into how the art market functions. Many artists do not understand the art market and they over price or under price their art. Also, social media propaganda and other quick fix methods have convinced many artists that they do not need professional representation. Fortunately, the education that came with learning appraising also gave me insight to truth into these beliefs and it has greatly benefited my art career.
I hope the art world comes to know this about me. I believe art should have a purpose. Art speaks to people in many ways and that language should be encouraging, respectful, positive, and based in truth. I can offer a variety of mentor services to emerging artists. I can offer insight and education to the art collectors. And I hope to use my art to serve the community. If others reject these opportunities, I will still choose to be at peace.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
This is a great question. I personally believe society has failed artists. Society could offer more education around the struggles of an artist as well as educating artists to understand risks must be taken in order to grow. Society could be diligent with warning artists against fraudulent promises of social media or sell your art quick schemes.
Society could also best support artists by treating artists as professionals. The art buyer understands the difference between a hobby artist and a professional artist. Society could offer education and opportunities in relation to these two separate categories so artists can determine which path is best for them.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Absolutely yes! I very much wish I knew about many resources earlier in my career. One of the most important resources is the art supply representatives. It took me a long time to understand that I could call the manufacturer of my chosen paint or canvas and ask questions. I did not realize they could educate me on how best to use my supplies. Once I learned about these resources, my strategies improved.
Another resource I wish I had sought early in my journey is mentors. Finding someone that understands your vision and your belief systems is very difficult. But once I understood the importance of a mentor, and I found someone that could fill that role, the resource is priceless!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tranquilityfinearts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonbarnesafp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtFromThePsychee/
