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[December 10th, 2007 ]
From goofy advertising images of 1970's America, to saucy visions of pin-up girls, Shaunna Peterson's artwork draws on an eclectic mix of inspirations from her youth. The daughter of a California Drag Racer, Shaunna is heavily influenced by pinstriping, lettering, and beautiful girls. Shaunna feels incredibly fortunate to be making art for a living. She sells her original art through galleries around the U.S. and does illustration work as well. Clients have included AARP, TEVA shoes, Field & Stream, and the American Legacy to name just a few. She currently resides in Southern California with her hubby, two young boys, and cats. Shaunna chats with Altpick about creativity, influences, and the future.
What is creativity for you?
That's such a mysterious thing, that creativity. I don't even know where it comes from. I guess it just kind of happens. For me, it usually happens at night when I'm lying in bed. That's when ideas hit. I keep a pen by my bed and when I'm struck with an idea, I'll write notes on my hands and arms. So a lot of mornings I wake up with writing all over me.... and inky sheets.
What made you want to be an artist?
Dad, definitely. He's a bit of an artist himself. When I was a little girl he'd sit in bed next to me and draw my bottle. I can still remember being completely flabbergasted that my Dad could make my bottle appear out of thin air onto this piece of paper. Then he'd hand over the pencil to me and I'd try to draw it.
Where did you study, and how has it helped you?
I graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. It definitely made me a much stronger artist, and really focused me on finding my voice, or developing my style. Attending Art Center also instilled an incredible work ethic in me. That really comes in handy now that I have a two year old, and a new baby. I can't sit around "waiting for inspiration to strike". When the boys go to bed, are napping, or are at Grandma's, I have to be on my game... and be working.
What are some of your other influences?
MAD Magazine.... I started reading & collecting it in the fifth grade. Old things... anything that has developed a patina, or some kind of visible aging to it... I love old toys. Advertising from the 50's, 60's & 70's. Artists such as Egon Schiele, Robert Crumb, and Gil Elvgren. Product packaging, lingerie, kitsch, children's book illustrations, tattoos, Rock & Roll....
Three things you couldn't create without?
My brain, a pencil, my right hand. I'm always wondering "if my hand is amputated for some horrible reason.... Would I still be able to make art?" I mean.... Is it my hand that holds the key, or would this stuff still find its way out? Like maybe through my toes or something?
What's coming up?
Mostly stuff on the gallery end. I have an opening on December 7th in Georgia, and a four person show in February. Oh, and in January 2008, I will be a featured artist in the first issue of "Stretching Canvas", a new publication from Chris Pfouts, the editor of International Tattoo Art Magazine. I was interviewed by the very cool & wonderful Shauta Marsh, Can't wait to see it myself!
How do you define your style?
I really hope that people don't "define" my art, but just enjoy it and see that I had a lot of fun making it.
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