shonnie wheeler

Shonnie is a mixed media &
​Found object artist

I don't remember my first exposure to creativity. As a young child, I traveled a lot and went to many art museums with my parents. I'm sure that influenced me.
I don't think I decided to become an artist. I just evolved into an artist. I took art in school, and when I showed talent, my parents let me take private instruction from a local art center. I had applied and was accepted at the School of the Chicago Art Institute, but I was in love at the time and got married instead. I don't regret it.

I find inspiration in my daily life and what matters to me. World events and political issues are a large part of my drive as an artist.
I think of my art as my therapy. It helps me survive and work through all the stuff life throws at me. If the viewer gets it, I'm happy, but I want them to interpret it in their way. Whatever they get out of it is okay by me.
I've worked in many mediums and like all of them. I usually use mixed media in my current work. I also like to use found objects and everyday items such as eggshells or rusted metal pieces. I have experimented with lots of things. I'm sure there is something new to play with in the future. I just don't know what that is yet.