DVAA Member since 2024
Shanna Cox
WEBsite: shannacoxart.com
About:
Shanna Cox, is a contemporary artist who lives bicoastally. Raised in the Philadelphia area, she has also lived and worked in New York City while completing graduate school at Columbia University.
Shanna is mostly self-taught, having pursued her passion for art since childhood. She has supplemented her self-guided learning with continuing education courses at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and some training at the University of the Arts. Despite starting formal art education at the University of the Arts, she chose a different path early on, which led to a successful business career outside the arts.
Her work is deeply influenced by the beauty of everyday life, themes of femininity and feminism, and the interplay of online and American work cultures. These elements are vividly portrayed in her oil paintings, reflecting a contemporary style that resonates with a wide audience.
Shanna's artistic career is experiencing a renaissance. After years as a strategy executive and advisor, she recognized that her true fulfillment comes from creating art. This epiphany led her to fully commit to her passion for art. Leveraging her business acumen, Shanna aims to navigate the art world with a unique perspective, combining her creative and technical skills to further develop as an artist.
Her exhibition history includes:
• A group show at the Well-Fed Artist Gallery in Philadelphia (2003)
• The Annual Juried CE Exhibition at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art (2014)
• A group show at the Emerging Artist Gallery in Los Angeles (2024)
• An upcoming exhibition at the Los Angeles Other Art Fair (September 2024)
Shanna primarily works with oil paints but also explores sculpture. Her contemporary style captures the essence of her influences, offering a unique perspective on modern life and cultural themes.
With a renewed focus on her artistic career, Shanna is dedicated to expanding her technical skills and exploring new creative avenues. She aims to continue exhibiting her work, connecting with a broader audience, and making a significant impact in the art world.
Artist Statement:
Art has been a constant in my life since childhood, a means of expressing the beauty I see in everyday life and the complexities of the human experience. My work is a reflection of the world around me, exploring themes of femininity, feminism, online culture, and the dynamics of American work culture.
Primarily working with oils, I strive to capture the delicate balance between strength, vulnerability and cultural expectations. My paintings often feature layers of color, inviting viewers to look closer and discover the nuanced stories within. In addition to painting, I also dabble in sculpture, allowing me to explore form and space in new and exciting ways.
After years as a strategy executive and advisor, I realized that my true fulfillment lies in creating art. This realization prompted me to reignite my artistic career, bringing with me a wealth of experience from the business world. I approach my art with a blend of creativity and analytical thinking, constantly seeking to refine my technique while staying true to my vision.
Influenced by the everyday and the extraordinary, my work aims to provoke thought and evoke emotion. I am fascinated by the intersections of personal and societal identity, and I seek to highlight these connections in my art. Through my pieces, I hope to inspire viewers to see the beauty in the everyday and to consider the deeper narratives that shape our lives.
Art is not just a profession for me; it is a passion and a calling. I am committed to continually evolving as an artist, exploring new mediums and methods, and sharing my journey with the world. I aim to communicate the intricacies of the human condition and the richness of the world we live in.
