Meet Shannon O’ | Artist, surf, portraits, stenciled murals

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon O’ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I feel strongly how you handle things, is a huge part of what follows. I allow myself to make big moves when it feels right, even if at first it feels very awkward. In my move from Hawaii to Vermont orchestrating the logistics of a move, packing, cat and car it was treated like a painting. With huge risks, but layers build and give depth.
As the Artist constantly creating allows for mistakes, without those growth doesn’t feel complete without risks. Risks often give beauty.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began seriously painting in Hawaii in 2005, capturing the flora and fauna & also the sea. I began to show my work at Wyland Galleries and really felt like I found my tribe. Dedication to painting live on Saturdays for years gave me many commissions. Opportunities to paint requested themes helped broaden my portfolio. Lessons along the way, always show at insured locations. Know your value and always add the extra special details when packing your art. The clients deserve and appreciate the wrapping and experience of buying art…connect positively with them. Easy to make art, but it is an art to make it a business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Great question. Ok arriving in Burlington VT intl. airport we immediately put rollerskates on and skate down in the last parking lot next to runway…watching the F-35 takeoffs is so fun while on skates. It’s a local thing to pack a yummy lunch cooler, so then down to the waterfront park for a lunch, or any of the rural waterfall swimming hole hikes. I love eating at Papa Gyros food truck & Burger Barn in Jeffersonville, ohhh you’ll be an instant fan of both. Our covered bridges are amazing to swim under and Shelburne Museum is a must. Hiking any of our tall mountains is a must too. Sunset Drive in in colchester is magic when the fireflies are out, then a creemee from a Jericho General Store, the shop has been there since 1807, they also make a mean BLT. Our A-dog skatepark is absolutely dreamy with perfect ramps, all wheels welcome there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family taught me to work with your hands, get dirty and always seek knowledge. I was enrolled in a German speaking school, language & arts was started at a very early age until mid elementary.
Mr. Cellan my high school art teacher, he gave me my own large desk in the art room & knew my time in art class was sacred to me.
I find tremendous beauty from early pinball backglass art. Botanical gardens & classic cars inspire me.
Teachers inspire me and I’m thrilled to begin teaching at a private school.

Website: shannonoarts.com

Instagram: shannonostudio

Image Credits
All photography by ShannonO’