Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Favia.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born and raised in Lima, OH. I always envisioned living a buzzing metropolitan environment like Chicago. My first job out of college brought me to the Windy City where I taught Art to Kindergarten-8th graders. I taught for 8 years and am so grateful for the opportunity that brought me to this amazing city I still call home.
The first year I ever participated in Halsted Street Market Days to try to sell my paintings, a buyer from Saks Fifth Avenue purchased several of my high heeled paintings for their then new Las Vegas store. That sale was a huge confidence booster and gave me the courage to continue down my art path.
Fast forward several years to smart phones and social media. The game was forever changed. Everyone, not just artists, could share what they were up to. I’m 43 years old, so for more than half of my life this technology and access to the world did not exist. It was mind blowing to go from having to send out slides or look books of my art (which was costly and time consuming), to having the power to share my art with thousands of people with the click of a button.
I started posting my art and researching local places where it might fit. I’ve sold my artwork in some local furniture and design stores, exhibited in local restaurants, and had a couple art shows in galleries. I ended up being the first local artist to have a show at the Pottery Barn in Lincoln Park which featured my mixed media bird series where the birds were constructed with recycled Levi’s denim. And through the power of social media ended up connecting with the Chicago Bulls and doing some freelance work for them. I was also one of six Chicago artists who had the incredibly fun opportunity to design a limited edition Bulls hat for fans last season.
Please tell us about your art.
I mostly paint with acrylic and aerosol. But I do love graphic design as well and have been creating more computer generated images. I’ve also experimented with combining the two mediums like I did for my Chicago Bulls hat which was a painting with digital text layered on top.
My art is inspired by pop culture, hip hop music, street art and fashion. It integrates simple but powerful messages with the intention of empowering the viewer and increasing happiness.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Make time for what you love. If it matters to you, you’ll find a way. I paint at our dining room table. I’d love to have a “legit” art studio someday, but right now I don’t. I didn’t let my studio conditions or lack of be an excuse to not create. I’m proud as hell of what I’ve been able to accomplish painting from a dining room table. Lose the excuses and find a way!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can check in with my social media. I’m most active and current on Instagram, @shannon_favia. You can email or DM to set up an appointment to see artwork in person. I have a few paintings on exhibit at HiFi Fitness at 820 N. Orleans and at Windy City Strength & Conditioning at 4043 N. Ravenswood.
As far as support of my work and the work of any artist, my advice is this…. If you love something an artist has created, want it to be part of your world and can afford it…purchase it. I don’t think you’ll ever regret buying original artwork that really speaks to your heart. That sale allows the artist to continue creating and that’s a great way to support artists, but not the only way. You may love a certain artist but it’s not in your budget to purchase his or her work. Give them a follow on social media or share their artwork and tag them in it so more people can discover them. It really is another great way to show support.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shannonfavia.com
- Email: shannonfavia@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannon_favia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShannonFaviaOriginalArtwork/
- Twitter: @shannnon_favia
Image Credit:
Shannon Favia
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
