Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Thompson

Hi Shannon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My life in the arts began at the age of 4. My parents enrolled me in dancing school from which I graduated at the age of 18 and I began to work as a professional dancer. I have explored every discipline of the arts from singing, to theater, to writing, and now painting. The arts are my life and I am able to be me because they exist.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

We all have a story and mine is a lot like the Disney movie “Encanto”. I am no stranger to tragedy. My life changed traumatically and drastically at the age of 11. It is difficult to recount much of my life prior to this given we don’t start to really remember things till around the age of maybe 6 or 7. My memories when I was this age till around 11 were really great. I felt loved.

I was 11 years old when my father suffered a traumatic brain injury. One grows up thinking their life is normal/healthy until they realize that it isn’t. My family dynamic changed from loving and thriving to surviving. The people that I knew as my mom, dad, & brother changed. My mom had to figure out how to pay the bills while my dad went through rehabilitation for 8 years to rebuild who he was and to learn how to read and write again. My older brother became more like a father figure to me than a friend. He eventually began to work and come up with ideas to help my parents with income. These years for me were crucial in helping me to build self esteem and confidence as a young woman and as an artist but I wanted to help too so I leaned into my empathy to help my family. I grew up really fast in that sense. I came to empathize so much with what happened to my dad that when I began to live my life I felt bad so I stayed with what I knew and it was to honor them. I danced for my mother and eventually went into fitness for my father. I honored them so much that I forgot to honor myself. I became who they wanted me to be. I was seeking their approval and attention but also wanting to see them happy. I wasn’t aware that it was happening when I was doing it. I eventually not only felt misunderstood but like I didn’t have a place. I was told that I live in a fantasy world, not the real world when I felt like I was doing my best to be there emotionally. I was invalidated and dismissed emotionally. It was hard to hear that because I went through something too. I was only a child and no one ever asked if I was ok. Still to this day it sticks with me.

It became a lonely road although in the beginning of my dance career I had many people around. I became known for what I did instead of who I was. It wasn’t until I had my daughter Sophia in 2017 that I began to really delve into who I really was and look back into my childhood. I began to remember my innocence and the things that I really enjoyed doing.

This self introspection was/is necessary in me becoming who I am today. People don’t like emotional pain but it is this suffering that connects us just as much as joy does. Feeling everything is what makes us human & allows us the opportunity to be real.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

Today, I have become a full time mom and artist (painter). I am most proud of who I am today in this moment. My children and the children that I’ve had the privilege to teach these past few years have given me the courage to be brave. Now, I do things afraid but it’s a good afraid because I know I’m being authentic. Empathy and raw emotional expression is my gift and that is what I paint from. My emotions fuel my work. Emotions are what make us human and to be able to connect with another through a piece of my art is the miracle. We can’t know the glory if we don’t know the story. My story is what sets me apart. There is only one me.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

“The Alchemist” is one of if not my favorite book. It’s about the journey of life and staying the course to create & align with your own magic.

“The Holistic Pyschologist”, Dr. Nicole LaPera is someone that I’ve been following on social media for years who has educated me on many things such as boundaries, enmeshment, codependency, parentification, and healing. I also speak to a psychologist as well.

I would also like to thank everyone (people, places, and cities) who has given me a safe space to express as an artist. I am so thankful.

Finally, my husband and children help me do my best in life. They are my motivation and my inspiration. I can’t imagine my life without them and now that they’re here, I don’t think I was truly living life before them.

Pricing:

• Freestyle Cardio class: $20
• Commissioned pieces for paintings begin at $450

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/SMRockweiler?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Instagram: @shannon.marie.art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonrockweilerart?mibextid=LQQJ4d