Shannon Roman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Shannon, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes! Just the other day, I was painting in my studio when my seven-year-old asked me to paint a dinosaur on his hand. After I did, he wanted to return the favor, so I helped him mix colors and let him paint on my hand while I kept working. At one point he looked up and said, “Jeez, Mom, you paint recklessly!” It made me laugh—and proud. I used to be so careful with every stroke, but over time I’ve learned to trust my instincts and let the paint flow more freely. That shift has brought a lot more joy and expression into my work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I chase the spirit of adventure with a paintbrush, creating colorful, textured paintings inspired by national parks! Based in St. Louis, I show my work at major art fairs across the country, in galleries, and online at ShannonNRoman.com. My work uniquely blends vibrant, modern color with a deep reverence for wild places—it celebrates both adventure and belonging.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband, Matt. In every stage of our lives together, he’s seen my potential clearly and believed I was capable of it. He simultaneously sees what I do—both with a paintbrush and within our family—as deeply meaningful, while also making me feel celebrated and admired in my accomplishments. I admire him greatly, and I love the way he continually brings out the best in me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
In art school, there was always pressure to figure out the “right” way to see things. I’d tell my younger self to embrace all those perspectives as tools—they expand your artistic vocabulary and help you communicate more fully—but also to stay curious about your own natural way of seeing. Instead of worrying about being “right,” ask: Why do I see it this way, and how can I express that uniquely?
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I believe each of our lives is a great adventure—that we’re created with meaning, purpose, and potential. We can choose goodness and joy and pursue what is meaningful. One of the reasons I’m so inspired by the national parks is that they embody this call to adventure. Every visit is unique to the person, their season of life, and the moment in time, which reminds me that our lives hold that same richness. Our lives are full of built-in beauty, meaning, and wonder that is worth pursuing.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
What I’m born to do! Some ideas and truths are so important to me that I don’t have words for them—they exist as colors and feelings, and paint is the only way I can express them. I firmly believe we’re all meant to say what we need to say, and if that’s through paint or another medium, it still matters that it’s said. I’m so grateful that art has given me a way to communicate with people in ways I never could through words alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ShannonNRoman.com
- Instagram: @ShannonNRoman
- Facebook: Shannon N Roman Fine Art
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
