Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanna Shirley.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
From a young age, I was interested in art. I would always draw and make cards instead of buying them. I took several art classes throughout school to find my niche, but I couldn’t find that one medium that felt right. I believed you couldn’t really make a living off of being an artist, so I didn’t pursue any more creative fronts. After years of ignoring my creative side, it kept poking at me telling me to do something, make something. It wasn’t until after I had my children and was staying home with them that I felt the real urge to find a creative outlet. Depression and anxiety had taken over my life after I had my kids. I felt consumed by negativity and lost about who I was. Once I found my art and connected to this outlet, things began improving. I’m still pretty new into my creative side, but I cannot wait to see where it takes me.
Please tell us about your art.
The idea for my art was a random thought. I had always wanted a nice dreamcatcher for myself but never got one. Then I decided I would make one using sticks from the yard and fabric from old clothes that I was going to donate. At the time, I visited a thrift store often and realized how many clothes and materials out there that were being wasted. From then on, I’ve created dreamcatchers and wall hangings using items from nature and recycled materials. Finally finding a creative outlet has helped me start finding out who I really am and helped bring me out of depression.
My hope is when others see and hear about my work; it makes them think. I want people to see that there are plenty of things in this world to reuse for another purpose. Recycling and using items already available to you creates less waste and stops the cycle of a company making more items to contribute to the waste. This world can only take so much more.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
My advice is to find your people on Instagram. There is a massive community of incredible, kind and encouraging artists from all over the world, all in one place. It’s been a huge help being apart of that.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work is currently available to see on Instagram.
The best way to support my work is to follow, like, comment, share and purchase my art.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/dreamer.inthe.thrift
Image Credit:
Jeanna Shirley
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