Reader of the Week: Shawna Handke

Boston artist scribbles her way to creative nirvana

By Molly Lynch
Published: September 22nd, 2008 | 1:02pm

When Venus Zine reader and artsy gal Shawna Handke worked at a design specialty shop testing writing instruments, little did she know her impromptu scribbles would turn into an inspiring series of innovative artworks. The Midwest-raised lady (now residing in Boston) chats about the motivations behind her work, growing up in Kansas, and how trekking the less traditional route can sometimes work out for the best.

Where does the inspiration for your artwork come from?

My daily surroundings. The people I see, the places I go, the ambient noises (such as trains and trucks passing by), and the music I listen to all inspire my artwork. There is always something new to see and the world is full of inspiration, so if I choose to open my eyes and ears, I never have to walk a waking day without some sort of inspiration. Wherever I go, I carry a camera and/or a pen and paper. I like to document the interesting things I see, and often, these elements are implemented in my finished artwork. We live (and I work) on Commonwealth Ave., which is a busy street and the trains pass by our space every few minutes. I like the busyness and the noise that this activity creates.

It's also amazing how the web tends to inspire one's creativity. I have subscribed to several other artists' blog feeds and check them daily to see what new events are transpiring, and I also like to see what new artwork is being created.

What made you decide to do your Scribbles-Sketches series?

I was entangled in the ropes of retail, and I finally decided to work somewhere that had design-oriented items that inspired me. So I chose to work in a specialty shop, which specializes in writing instruments. Every day, we had to test all of the pens to ensure that they would write when potential customers would pop into the store. I opted to do this tedious task, because I really enjoy writing and scribbling. I would begin testing the pens and searching for pages that had already been scribbled on.

Most people who worked in the shop would just carelessly toss those pages in the trash. But I found inspiration with each and every new line. This evolved into my Scribbles-Sketchesseries one evening when I was bored and began coloring in the lines with some Sharpies. I liked the idea of reusing something old to create something new. And it also seemed somewhat like a collaborative process, although I was uncertain whom the individuals were who left their scribbles in the drawers.

All in all, I have learned that this entire Scribbles-Sketches series has allowed me to incorporate a more "automatic drawing" process in all of my artwork. Rather than planning out each and every detail of all of my pieces (like I used to do), I now allow mistakes or "automatic" drawings to become a part of the finished piece.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

My parents and my family have always continued to encourage me to pursue my dreams. My dream is (and always has been) to be a full-time artist, and I would have to say that my dad mostly inspired me to passionately strive to fulfill this dream just before he passed away a couple of years ago. He was probably my biggest fan and not only encouraged me to create, but he also influenced me in the ways that I would develop my skills. My parents would take stuff from the local landfill and turn it into something beautiful. They especially did this with our house, but I would have to say that this definitely influenced my creativity's craftsmanship. I know that well-developed ideas are oftentimes destroyed if they are not executed with a high quality craftsmanship.

Aside from that, some major artists who have influenced my artwork include: Andy Warhol, de Kooning, Frida Kahlo, Helen Frankenthaller, Alberto Giacometti, Tiffany Holmes, Jackson Pollock, and Henry Darger. A couple of current artists who are also quite influential include Craig Atkinson and my friend Danny Mansmith.

Would you say that you have a specific theme or tone that runs throughout your artwork?

I like movement. I like freedom. I like to express both of these ideas in all of my artwork. I also feel like the things I create involve a layer of my daily musings. The photos and sketches that I have created usually weave their way into each completed piece. This is why I oftentimes include people and buildings in my current artwork. The use of architectural elements in my artwork has begun to evolve into a larger idea. I am currently working on a new body of artwork where I have created screen prints from some of the photographs that I take while I explore cities. I alter the prints with hand-drawn lines and eventually create even more drawings of buildings surrounding the original screen print. I would say that the tone of my artwork has evolved into something that includes a lot of city life.

How does living in Boston shape your creativity?

Boston is a very historical city, and I can say now that I have a deeper appreciation for any city's urbanscape and especially an appreciation for cities' history. I really like the old buildings that surround me on a daily basis, and I also enjoy observing people's behaviors as we ride the "T" or walk through a park. I do believe that Boston has helped me to see people of all walks of life from a new viewpoint. During the past 3.5 years that I have lived here, I have learned to make connections with people in new ways, and I have also learned to travel places using public transportation.

I read on your website bio that you went to college in Nebraska. Did you also grow up in the Midwest?

I was born and raised in a small town in North Central Kansas, called Beloit. Although we lived in the city, my brothers worked in the fields for local farmers during the harvest seasons. The open fields, the fresh air, and the sunsets each evening were [all] a continual source of inspiration for me. I used to be able to easily go on a 15-mile bike ride from my front door to the country roads and easily enjoy the great outdoors.

Eventually, I attended college in Western Kansas and studied Graphic Design. I moved home to work full-time and contemplate on my life's endeavors for a while. While I was there, I worked with severely handicapped children, and I learned to appreciate even the simplest things in life. I would not have changed this year for anything, although it is less than traditional for most college students. I learned more about myself and my creative interests by reflecting on all that life had to offer. Plus, I was able to spend one more year with my family (my father in particular who died at the young age of 50).

Later, I moved to Omaha where I met my husband, and I soon … finished my degree in fine art. Omaha has a wonderful art community, some great music venues, and excellent food.

What has it been like to make a living for yourself through illustrating?

I only began pursuing this full-time about a month ago, so it's been a steady stream of learning and developing my skills as an artist and a business. My goal is to complete my website, which I hope to have as my online portfolio, within the month. And then I intend to do some heavy marketing. I have currently mapped out several magazines and other venues where I will be sending my illustration packets, and my goal is to ship these out later this month. I am very aware that the transition into a full-time illustration career may take a little time, and I hope to be making a steady source of income by this time next year.

What music are you listening to right now?

The music continually changes in my studio. I usually have it playing at random or a playlist of a specific genre that I created. Currently it's a mix that a friend created for my husband and I. He is from France and really wants us to learn French, so he gave us some of his favorite music. The funny thing is that the song that's currently playing is not French, although the band is from France. The song is "Jimmy" by Moriarty, and it talks about where "the grass is green and the buffalo roam." It's rather humorous, since I'm from Kansas and that's where the buffalo roam. Earlier I was listening to Juana Molina who I found through another artists' blog. She uses an amazing style of layering instruments and her voice, and it's so good that I think I may go buy one of her albums in a while.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Ultimately, I want my illustrations and artwork to become a primary source of income, so I will no longer need to toy with the idea of working part-time jobs. And on a more personal note, my husband and I would like to have a family of our own. So in ten years, I see myself working full-time as an artist from a studio and balancing a family life.