IWD2019: Shawna X on Realizing "The Power of Our Female Spirit, Body, & Emotion" After Giving Birth
WORKING NOT WORKING
We’re supporting Balance for Better as part of International Women’s Day and celebrating spectacular female creatives on Working Not Working who need to be on your radar in 2019. We’re delighted to highlight 9 members who lead the creative conversation through both their careers and personal projects. This interview series covers the pursuit of professional creativity and the breakthroughs, accomplishments, ambitions, dreams, and lessons that follow.
WNW Member Shawna X is a New York-based Artist and Designer, executing her visions and concepts to full-scale experiential exhibitions, large-scale murals, as well as collaborations with fashion, music, and tech brands. Below, she discusses her proudest moments pushing through her work, “from a screen, paper, to anything and everything else - hung, curved, standing up.” Shawna also shares one of her most recent discoveries after giving birth. “I’ve realized the power of our female spirit, body, and emotion. We have the ability to harness our powers within and filter this through our creative talent.”
What was the catalyst for pursuing a creative career? What kept you going to get to where you are now?
I followed my intuition, sometimes it's as easy as that... Though let's be real, I have to thank my hustlin' ass and my 9-5s back in the day for pushing me forward.
What's your proudest creative breakthrough, project, or accomplishment and why?
The ability to push through my work, from a screen, paper, to anything and everything else - hung, curved, standing up. I think my latest exhibition at A/D/O featuring illustration, video, and sculpture really pushed me to a new space and perspective.
What's the one piece of advice you'd share with fellow creative women?
After giving birth, I’ve realized the power of our female spirit, body, and emotion. We have the ability to harness our powers within and filter this through our creative talent.
What advice do you have for balancing parenting and a creative career?
I'm still figuring it out! 3 months in, but thankful beyond belief of my supportive partner.
Pay it forward. Name a badass creative and tell us why they inspire you right now.
Tina Snow Le - my long time friend from Portland who moved to New York; one of the most down to earth, hard working, and curious women I've ever met.
What do you want to see more of in 2019?
I want to see and do more thoughtful projects that don't just live and die on Instagram after a day or two; projects that are accessible and resonate even after their shelf life.
