Shannon McClurg

Most of my creations, be they jewelry, paintings, mosaics or photos are a result of my lifetime experiences. Many of them are inspired from travel, or from people I have met, many of whom are Native American. Certain subjects such as lighthouses, national parks, and wildlife are strong influences in my creative process.

I want the wearer of my jewelry to feel the heart that went into the design. The components could come from vintage pieces or the plumbing department, or both. For 60 years, the design process has taken me it’s own way and I’m often surprised with the result. My bead paintings are inspired by nature and art creations including those of Van Gough.

My miniature acrylic paintings are done mostly on wood, shells, or a slab of stone. I love using acrylic inks when possible, and given my brushes are very tiny, allow for much of the fine detail. Mosaics on skulls and antlers are inspired mostly by Native American symbols and traditions. I use natural elements such as stone and shells to create my designs, but modern elements often work their way into a piece.

The photography I show comes from over 45 years of travels and adventures that needed to be captured in my camera such as a grizzly catching a salmon, sun rays coming through a Smoky Mountain sky onto a cabin, or the pattern of waves as they caress a sandy beach. I have experimented with prints on canvas, acrylic, metal and of course traditional prints done in our darkroom. Often the image will dictate that decision, but I love trying new angles and ideas.

With the various mediums I do, my studio is a cacophony of elements that often cross over to other themes and ideas, and I can’t wait for those to sprout new thoughts and creations.