Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Sess.
Shannon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had an interest in the arts growing up. Watching my brother effortlessly render whatever he pleased drove me to push myself to see what I could create. My journey to where I am today was far from predictable. I grew up wanting to be an architect, one Calculus class later and I was on my way to art school. Not to mention I took an Architectural Sketching class at SCAD and I was told by the instructor that I was too “imaginative” to be an architect. Playing it safe, I decided to pursue Graphic Design. Who knew that was going to be everyone else’s idea as well. Heading my adviser’s warnings as well as wanting to adhere to my own personal standards of graduating in 4 years, I wandered through different studio classes until I stumbled upon Printmaking. I was hooked.
What I love most about printmaking is you can only do so much to plan and prepare for an image to come out a certain way, then it’s like you let Jesus take the wheel and all faith is left in the press. I graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting with an emphasis in Printmaking. I also have a contract with ATLiER Props and Design and have had my artwork featured in several commercials, TV shows, and movies. Along with creating art, I work at a custom framing shop in Atlanta called Artifacts and Myott Studios, where we have a client roster that ranges from the High Museum and Mason Fine Art to Elton John and Tyler Perry Studios.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely NOT, and to be quite honest, I am extremely thankful for that. Growing up my mother had an alcohol issue that would follow her into my early years of college. Starting out as a freshman in high school my parents got a divorce and that would force me to grow up a lot faster than I could have ever imagined. These two occurrences would forever shape my perception and reaction to the world around me. Suddenly things weren’t as simple as they seemed. As I mentioned before I’m thankful for that. The transition from teen to adulthood and from fantasy land to the real world was a much easier one. I already knew what it was like to have it all then suddenly have nothing.
As much as we all wish we could change the past when I look back it feels like these things were meant to happen because they influenced every decision, I made that led me to where I am today. As they say, it gets worse before it gets better. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel you just have to want to find it.
Please tell us about Artifacts and Myott Studios.
I work at Artifacts picture framing which has been a go-to frame shop for the Grant Park area for over 30 years. With over 4,000 samples, loyal clientele, and fresh faces walking in everyday we offer affordable and high-end fine art framing for artists/galleries, interior designers, and the people who love to have art compliment their homes. About four years ago Artifacts was acquired by Myott Studios. Myott has been in the framing business for more than 40 years now and specializes in custom hand-finished frames; large or small. We were just voted “Best Way to Make Your Artwork Shine” by The Best Of Atlanta Magazine. Our goal is to provide archival framing, unique designs, and excellent customer service to our clients and neighborhood.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Childhood – a much simpler time, when my main worry was if we were having dessert after dinner. If any childhood memory takes the “cake” for being my favorite, it would have to be our last trip as a family to Florida back in 2009. We spent a week “park hopping” at Disney World and just enjoying our time altogether. What set this trip apart from any other family vacation was that my dad was actually able to join us, he would usually have to hang back while my mom, brother, and I had all the fun. As the great memories have followed me into my adulthood, I wouldn’t be surprised if the bill from our trip is still following my mom around all these years.
Pricing:
- 15% OFF Discount for First Time Framing at Artifacts
- 20% OFF Discount for Artists/ Galleries
Contact Info:
- Address: 478 Boulevard SE
Atlanta, GA 30312 - Website: https://www.myottstudio.com/
- Phone: 4046243020
- Email: shannon.sess.designs@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dope.mindd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.sess
- Other: http://www.atlierprops.com/product-category/cleared-artwork/shannon-sess/
Image Credit:
Shannon Sess
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