October 27, 2008

artist shannon rankin

I'm always fascinated by how each of us interpret art differently. When I looked at these images by Maine artist Shannon Rankin I was thinking about peace. I guess it's the doves. But I wasn't just thinking about peace in terms of an end to wars and fighting, but finding an inner peace. This is especially on my mind given the continuing economic woes that are reported on the news each morning. Then when I interviewed Shannon she explained that through her works she explores the ideas of "travel, healing and time". To me, that's peace just under another guise.

Which five words best describe you? Kind, positive, loving, intuitive and quirky.
What's your proudest achievement? Recent acceptance into Juried Biennial Exhibition at Center for Contemporary Art, Rockport, Maine.
Who inspires you? In addition to authors such as Alan Watts, Carl Jung, Henry Miller, Joseph Campbell, Carl Sagan, and now Eckhart Tolle, I and am also inspired by my artist boyfriend - Justin Richel. And a number of artists I have found via flickr: Betsy Walton, Maxwell Loren Holyoke-Hirsch, Allyson Mellberg, Robert Hardgrave, Alexis Anne Mackenzie and Hernan Paganini.
What are you passionate about? Mostly making art!
What's the best lesson you've learnt? To allow for mistakes and take time for moments of rest.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I'll name 4 people. Barack Obama, Eckhart Tolle, Alan Watts and Bob Dylan.
What's next? Winter and a whole lot of art making!
What are you reading? A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle; Henry Miller on Writing by Henry Miller and The Book by Alan Watts.

Images courtesy of Shannon Rankin