2012, BFA Printmaking
Biography
A Washington, D.C. native, she takes printmaking as her primary medium using influences from around the world, through travel and direct one on one experience for humour, interconnectivity and faux pas. Starting as a children’s book illustrator before 2002, printmaking has lent itself be just as versatile as a developing narrative voice. Her early training began in Philadelphia at UARTS where she was introduced to street art, developing an eye for counter culture identities, and a life long passion for the humor and social commentary found in graffiti. This interest is reflected in her latest work, mixing humor, her fine art training and global social observation.
She is most noted for combining print on unexpected media. Her philosophy about art: “Visual art has started as a means of communication on rock walls and should continue to strive to do so in whatever medium best conveys a message, it is universal, bridging language, status, and occasionally time. It can convey higher conscious interaction, feeling, and shared experience.” Shanna tackles traditional rules of tenderness and humour, while also celebrating fun quirks in human character through portrait and symbols. Her works features a handmade quality that communicates an intimate experience. She utilizes fabrics, projection screens, wall posters, light, edibles and books to emphasize purpose and meet the audience.
Image: Detail from 'Celphalopoda attack' art print by Erwin Thamm Shanna Carvell