Artist Statement: I am a mixed media artist inspired by nature and the creative process. The organic shapes, textures and colors found in nature are a constant source of peace and wonder. I seek to capture the essence of my experience with nature in my art and share it with those who view it. When painting, I allow the medium to do what it naturally does with gentle guidance. It is a meditative process and a balance between harmony and contrast, simplicity and accumulation, and stillness and motion. Flow, being in the zone, that mental state when one becomes fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus and enjoyment in the process is where painting takes me. Artist Bio: Shannon studied at the University of TN and received a BA in studio art. Originally from Southern California where she spent her childhood exploring the coastline and surrounding hills and mountains with a camera or sketchbook in hand. She now lives in Knoxville, TN where the Smoky Mountains and her own backyard are a readily available source of inspiration. Shannon taught high school art for 20 years, founded an AP Studio Art program at her school and was the two-time winner of the Gracelyn Faith teacher award. Shannon was also a two-time winner of the Bailey Opportunity Grant for artists and exhibits her work at First Friday events and art shows in a variety of locations around Knoxville, TN and regularly on Instagram (@shannondeanajohnson) and Facebook (Shannon Deana Johnson Art). Her work is collected nationwide.