We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shannon Mello. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shannon below.

Shannon, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I’ve taken in my life was most definitely becoming a full time artist. I was a middle school art teacher for 10 years when the pandemic struck. It was during this time my husband (also a teacher) and I decided it best that we homeschool our two young children. Just before the pandemic, I had started exhibiting in local galleries. We decided to take a chance with me being a full time artist and my husband teaching. I would teach the kids during the day, and work in the studio at night. Financially it was one of the scariest risks because we were on one teacher’s guaranteed salary. The life of an artist is similar to that of a realtor. Some months are wonderful, some not so much. I can happily say that we’ve been doing alright. Any morning when I am able to walk into my studio, knowing this is what I do….I’m fulfilled. It’s the best feeling ever.

Shannon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I grew up in a small town in Michigan, where water was an every day part of our lives. Now living in Colorado for almost 20 years, I get my water fix by including it in many of my paintings. Before being introduced to encaustic in 2018, I was stuck with which medium to concentrate on. I wasn’t completely in love with any one material. Encaustic (a combination of beeswax and tree resin) is incredible because you are able to include so many different materials within the layers. Encaustic is an organic substance that lends itself to a sort of grounding and connection to nature. I have always loved being outside and one with the dirt, fields, mountains, and water. I feel most connected with this visual art material because it connects me to what brings me peace. I love being a part of our art community in Colorado Springs. I love hearing the stories from other artists and collectors. Where they came from, why they do what they do, what drives them. It’s all so inspiring to hear and just emphasizes the importance of arts in communities.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Talk to us. Every artist has a story, most of which you will have some sort of connection to. We are social creatures who need connection. Artists create these paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs for connection. It is our way of saying “look what was once living in my mind…now here it is”. I mean, how amazing is that? Something that never existed before now does, thanks to an artist. We have an opportunity to create meaningful and sometimes spiritual works that other people may not be able to. I know when I see a painting that really speaks to me, it’s quite a powerful pull. It may bring me peace, tranquility, or grounding/connecting energy. In a chaotic world, I personally, would love to be surrounded by such influence.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

That you could never make a living by being an artist. I was part of the generation that was sort of groomed to be in the computer industry, finances, or business. After college graduation, my parents gifted me a leather briefcase and a suit. If you know me, you know that I’m the last person who would ever use either these days. I did receive an undergrad degree in business management. I wouldn’t change that for the world, as it has proven to be quite handy. I did not, however, know what the heck I wanted to do, even after graduation. What I wish I had known was to follow what I love, what I enjoyed doing. Let that be the compass and see how you can make a career of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shannonmelloarts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonmelloarts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100043995586352