For years now, I have wanted to paint myself climbing out of a giant bottle of red nail polish. The idea first came to me months after I started therapy. I woke up one morning and suddenly envisioned a painting where I was covered in nail polish. It spoke to the perfectionist in me - a glossy red, sexy exterior that could hide all of my flaws and imperfections from sight. However, there is also a danger inherent to that kind of beauty. While a glossy coating may be alluring, it is also toxic, unsustainable, and fragile. I also thought of how a perfecting enamel could function as an armor to hide a woman’s vulnerabilities and individuality, amalgamating her with other women while simultaneously creating yet another unrealistic beauty standard.
Read MoreStudio 330 - 1655 Dupont Street
Saturday, September 28
Doors @ 1PM ~ 6PM
*refreshments*
*discount prices on original art work*
*live painting*
*pre-order reproductions*
Read MoreDuring the month of July, I am excited to be participating in three one-day pop-up artisan shows at Arta Gallery. Arta has a beautiful gallery space located in the Distillery District of Toronto.
Read MoreI am changing my name. Going forward, please call me… Shannon Lively. More specifically, call me Shannon Joy Lively.
This blog post discusses why I am changing my name and how Miss Lively came to be.
Read MoreWhere do I want to go with my life?
That is one big, scary question.
It entered my mind almost two weeks ago, and came as a complete surprise. I thought I had my life planned out, at least my immediate future – live in Toronto, get a job, and make art in my spare time.
But I must admit, I did not craft my plan carefully. I essentially threw it together in response to a couple of big changes in my life. Let me explain.
Read MoreMy latest project, a self-portrait titled "Morning Shave," was born from a desire to push myself out of my comfort zone and to create with intention.
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