Well hello! My name is Shaner Johnson and I paint. I actually became a painter by accident. Allow me to explain...
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago...
I was on the verge of becoming a student at Georgia College and State University (Go Bobcats). I had no idea what I wanted to be when I "grew up" and instead of taking a few years to make a thought-out, educated decision about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, I panicked and on a whim decided that I would like to go into interior design because....why not? I really enjoyed watching HGTV after all, right? solid decision.
Upon visiting GCSU for student orientation, I soon found out that they, in fact, did not have an Interior Design program. D'oh! *facepalm*. With my heart still set on working with Ty Pennington, I decided to major in Art at GCSU and then transfer in a few years to a school that offered the Interior Design program. Yep, all figured out.
As a student in the art department, I was required to take various 101 classes. I was actually pretty pumped about being able to dabble in different art mediums. I had always loved art as a kid -Even had my own Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper where I kept all of my "really good drawings" for safe keeping.
I didn't sign up for Painting I until my 3rd year of college. I was nervous. I had never painted on canvas...in fact, I had never picked up a paint brush besides those little craft ones that come with kid's watercolor sets. This was going to be interesting.
Our first assignment was to paint our self-portrait from a photograph. I'm sorry, what... you want me to what?
So I went back to my apartment, took an awkward selfie, and got to work. I thought I had done a decent job for someone who had never painted before. Well done, Shaner. It actually somewhat resembles your face.
From there, my paintings became progressively better and I began to really enjoy myself as I became more comfortable and confident in my abilities. I ended up making lots of friends and meeting the love of my life during my first semster, so it wasn't long before I decided to continue my Art major journey permanently at GCSU.
In 2008 I received my BA in Art with a concentration in Painting... accidentally. Although, I now know it was no accident. #iseeyouGod
In 2013 I quit my full-time job to become a full-time artist. This was a decision that required a LOT of thought, prayer and faith in God. My husband believed in me so much, that he was willing to figure out a way to support us with one income while I pursued my dream. He was, and still is, my biggest fan and is the reason that I am able to wake up each day doing what I love. Thank you for taking this leap with me, Britt.
I am beyond grateful for my supportive friends, family, and kick-butt husband. I could just go on and on about how each one influences and encourages me daily during this journey. I am also grateful that I am now able to spend more time with these people that mean so much to me. I think that life is just way too short to work it all away. I am now happier than I've ever been and, as my Grandma would say, "finally using my God-given talent".
"This is it. Don't get scared now..." - Kevin McCallister
