Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shawna Hatton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shawna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I knew from the time I was in elementary school that I was an artist. I did not know what path that would take, but I knew I would go into the arts. My teachers and parents supported and encouraged my talents and interests. I decided to go to a liberal arts collage and focus on a BFA, as opposed to art school, because I thought it would give me more experiences and options. I was able to study in Rome my sophomore year and being exposed to so much art and history really opened up my mind. My passions are painting and photography, but took the “safe route” after college and worked as a graphic designer. Once I had children I focused on photography and started teaching photography and design, and found I loved being an educator as well. However, I started painting again and showing/selling my work in galleries, while continuing to teach. When the pandemic hit, I opened up my studio/gallery to have the space for commissions and to teach small classes for all ages. So many wonderful opportunities have happened in the last five years, including a residency in France. It feels like I am doing what I was destined to do.

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 am a professional artist and I sell my own work, as well as do commissions for people. My main hope however, is to use my artistic ability and experiences to inspire or affect others in a positive way. I believe in the power of the arts and that we are all designed to create. Creating art is a healthy outlet, and I have become more interested in the process than the result. I love seeing the “lightbulb moment” with students and teaching them about art history and different mediums. I meet them where they are at on their creative journey.

Of course I am proud of following my gut and taking a chance and opening a studio in the middle of a pandemic. I had hoped to make it one year, and now hope to keep going for a long time. Then in 2022 I followed my gut again and had an art show/fundraiser for the orphans of Ukraine. I had hoped to raise a little money and inspire a few students. It snowballed into a whole community coming together, artists, schools and churches, over the sale of hundreds of sunflower paintings from age 7-87. We raised over $13,000 in a one-day event. That money went to Child’s Hope International, and meant 48,000 meals would be made.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I have always been a deep thinker and an expressionistic artist. When I am able to communicate thoughts or feeling through my work, and it moves someone to think or feel on a deeper level (not just “a pretty picture”), then I feel I have succeeded.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I do think it’s difficult for non-creatives to understand creatives. Sadly, as a result, many creatives then feel weird or like an outsider because they see the world differently and find art and beauty everywhere. I am very grateful that, although my parents did not understand what it is like, they always loved and supported me. I see this with my younger students who have parents that take them to my classes, even if they don’t know anything about art themselves.

I think it’s very important for creatives of all ages to be around other creatives. A couple of years ago, when I went to France for an artist’s residency, I felt so free and alive…and myself. I had not felt that since college. A huge part of it was being surrounded by other creatives. Even though many were incredibly different than me, we all accepted each other’s ideas and view of the world. I vowed to carry that back with me, and to purposely spend more time with other artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]; shawnahattonart.com
• Instagram: chasinglightartstudiogallery
• Facebook: chasinglightartstudioandgallery