Meet Elizabeth Shanahan | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Shanahan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first started my business, I thought that work-life balance was something I would achieve when I was making steady money. That is completely backwards! I have a genetic connective tissue disorder. It wasn’t diagnosed until I was 27 so for a long time I really believed that I was just lazy and weak, and everyone had the same pain and fatigue I did. I thought if I just pushed through I would get stronger. When I finally made the change and began prioritizing my well being above my business, both my health and my business were vastly improved. I would encourage any young entrepreneur to take care of themselves first, and trust that your business will be better for it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
All of my art is inspired by my Christian faith. I’ve felt the love of my Father in Heaven in a tangible way for as long as I can remember, and everything I create is made with the intent of sharing that perfect sense of belonging and acceptance that I have. Everything I make, from abstract landscapes to gorgeous flowers and symbolic portraits, is designed to show the many ways the Father shows us His love.

The artistic field is famously difficult to succeed in. There have been many years when I struggled to make a profit, and other times when the money was great but I was struggling to keep up. Along with my family and taking care of my health, continuing to learn about my craft, and business, and being willing to change and try new things has really served me. I’ve made more pivots than I can count and I firmly believe I wouldn’t have succeeded if I’d stubbornly clung to what didn’t work.

And of course, the most important thing that has helped me succeed is that I never give up. I never give up, because I believe in what I’m doing. Making people feel at peace, helping them to know that they are loved, these things have kept me going even when it’s hard, and continue to bring me joy every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually don’t live in Raleigh, but my favorite spot as a visitor to the city is the North Carolina Museum of Art. There were so many beautiful things to see there. I could probably name a dozen, but I found myself in actual tears looking at the Byzantine religious art. The gold leafing, the complex symbolism, and the stylization are so moving. I stayed for hours. Moms will know what I mean when I say how special it was to visit all by myself and be able to take as long as I want, but there were areas I know my seven year old would have loved. She loves Yayoi Kusama and I wish she’d been with me to see the Lightbox the museum had! I did bring her home a Van Gogh Starry Night puzzle though, and we had a great time doing it together.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Kevin Northrup has been the biggest supporter of my work from the very beginning. He helped me photograph my first portfolio when I applied to college. He’s been with me for every gallery show, helped me create my first, second, third, and fourth art fair booths, and he’s the first person to encourage me when I feel anxious or defeated. Kevin is a concert lighting designer for Silver Bullets Design, so he’s an artist too, and not only is he my biggest cheerleader, but he is the first person I come to with artistic ideas and questions. Even when we don’t agree, I value his input. I could never have gotten to where I am today without him.

I would also like to recognize ArtLifting. They’re an art advisory service who work with artists who have disabilities or have experienced homelessness. They found me at an art fair last year and they’ve done an incredible job sharing and selling my work.

Website: elizabethshanahan.com

Instagram: @Elizabeth.Shanahan

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethshanahannorthrup/

Image Credits
The photograph of me is by Hayley Ellis. The other photographs are by me.