We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon Thompson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
The way we think, speak, & act will determine our direction and how effective and successful we are. I embrace all of who I am: the joy and the pain. I believe we are the most effective and successful when we are honest about who we are, our journey, and what we value. We are able to operate at our highest frequency and be at peace when we allow ourselves simply to be. They work only when they are open.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a huge advocate for the arts and have been involved in various disciplines since the age of 4. I’ve always been curious about dance, theater, music, painting and have had the opportunity to explore all of these throughout my life thus far. In recent years, I’ve had the privilege and honor to teach children at a non-profit performing arts school in New Orleans called Upturn Arts. At Upturn, I have been able to encourage children to be the natural born artists they are and foster their creativity which builds their confidence through their own unique way of self expression. Teaching also helped me develop more confidence as an artist and human being. The organization helped me acquire more skills through professional development that have also helped me in parenting my own children, Sophia, 6, and Skye, 4 months which is a creative journey in and of itself.
This past year, I have taken my art to numerous art markets in New Orleans and by doing so have been invited to participate in the first ever Art Village at Gretna’s Heritage Festival as well as “The Ringing in the Arts” festival in Gretna, LA. I also competed in my first ever Art Battle at Zony Mash Beer Project in New Orleans this past December with another upcoming “battle” on January 11th. This event features 12 artists who battle each other to create a piece in 20 minutes. It’s a lot of fun. I’m excited for what this year has in store and am looking forward to creating murals, traveling for art, and more live painting at various art festivals and events.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My ability to love, live, and learn have been most impactful in my journey. They have made me the artist and person that I am today. It is through love that I’ve been able to create. It is by living that I’ve been able to make mistakes which then leads to learning which has helped me develop wisdom. Life has been one of my greatest teachers along with children. I would encourage artists to get involved with a community of art teachers/professionals who not only understand them as artists but will foster their ability to grow as an individual. Get out there and create. Create with your whole heart. Devote yourself to your craft. Help others and life will help you.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing that my parents did for me was enroll me in dance at the age of 4. They exposed me to the arts at a young age which helped forge my path creatively.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shannon.marie.art
