Jennifer Shannon
from the series Grey at Heart
Artist Statement
"My art work has taken an ominous tone over the past few years while exploring the human anatomy. I tend to portray a variety of abnormalities and diseases experienced in today’s society. My main focus is the function of the human heart, structural deformities of the spine & ribcage. I have always been fascinated by the human anatomy due to my own birth defect, called Diastematomyelia. This congenital disorder has left me with two spinal cords, a twisted frame, and a reconstructed “dead foot”, but yet with the ability to operate. In my paintings you will notice contorted skeletal structures come through with flowing movement communicating a feeling I cannot explain. In 2012 new ideas began to immerge due to the loss of my dad. My interest in the human heart and its inability to function, at times, began to take shape. The images of anatomical hearts are often accompanied with a sparrow, symbolizing the separation of body and soul. I find myself projecting the beauty and pain experienced in our health, inviting the viewer to explore a deeper, more emotional view on our health. Since art is healing, I feel a longing to recreate these abnormalities on a larger visual scale to spark an interest and educate others. My work ranges in a variety of mediums with the hopes to grow on a larger scale within the realm of sculptures." - Jennifer Shannon.
