"Art, for me, is a new found love. Growing up, I admired other’s passion and talent and would want so badly to have that myself. It wasn’t until recently that I realized it was something that I could pursue. Realizing my art as a passion has been an eye opener and has allowed me to create work that I am proud to show. Over the past few years I have found myself needing some kind of outlet to throw my thoughts and ideas into, and with photography and ceramics I found it. I have been able to grow, mentally and physically, as a person as well as an artist. It is very therapeutic to be in the dark room for hours working on my photos or in the ceramics lab covered in clay, being able to mold and manipulate that medium into anything I want.
I have been heavily influenced by art history and the classic paintings that have shaped what art is today. For my first exhibition, I have taken classic paintings and recreated them in photograph form adding a more modern twist. I have a huge respect for the artists who have inspired me so much, and I feel I owe them something for helping me realize my own passion. Famous works like Girl With The Pearl Earring, Mary Magdalen With A Smoking Flame, and just about every painting in the Sistine Chapel have moved me in some way. Whether it is the subject matter or the luminous colors and flawless brushstrokes, I love how each artist paid close attention to detail and painted such beautiful works of art. Other works like Michelangelo’s Pietà or the famous Greek statue Nike of Samothrace are some of my favorite sculptures. I love the way the artists created such realistic figures and I can appreciate the time they devoted to them. For me, art will always be a growing experience and I think that’s what I love most about it. It allows me to push my boundaries, break the norm and get lost in my own head, with the final piece expressing my hard work, dedication and appreciation."
-Shannon Hurlebaus
I have been heavily influenced by art history and the classic paintings that have shaped what art is today. For my first exhibition, I have taken classic paintings and recreated them in photograph form adding a more modern twist. I have a huge respect for the artists who have inspired me so much, and I feel I owe them something for helping me realize my own passion. Famous works like Girl With The Pearl Earring, Mary Magdalen With A Smoking Flame, and just about every painting in the Sistine Chapel have moved me in some way. Whether it is the subject matter or the luminous colors and flawless brushstrokes, I love how each artist paid close attention to detail and painted such beautiful works of art. Other works like Michelangelo’s Pietà or the famous Greek statue Nike of Samothrace are some of my favorite sculptures. I love the way the artists created such realistic figures and I can appreciate the time they devoted to them. For me, art will always be a growing experience and I think that’s what I love most about it. It allows me to push my boundaries, break the norm and get lost in my own head, with the final piece expressing my hard work, dedication and appreciation."
-Shannon Hurlebaus