Hi, I’m Shawn Petite. I’ve been teaching and creating for over 25 years. About 15 years ago I found my art soul mate in mixed media, and it changed my life! I love the story that can be told by combining paint, texture, paper,

 and… really anything that you can imagine.

I produce my own line of stencils and create soulful and informative workshops. But what I’m truly passionate about is walking with you step by step and helping you ignite your creativity. Giving you confidence and showing you that a paintbrush can do wonders for your soul.

I look forward to creating with YOU!

Website & Instagram

What does Art is Magic mean to you?

It means a mysterious transformation and a way to create connection. Art has the power to heal, help us grow, discover new things about ourselves and can translate what we can’t find the words to say.

Why do you create art?

To encourage, uplift and find out new things about myself and others

Tell us about your journey to become an artist?

My background and degree is Interior design. And back in the day… before everything was computerized, we would put storyboards together for our clients homes. These boards were masterpieces and really the start of my gathering, layering and creating meaning. That’s why I love mixed media. When my kids were little I would stay up late cutting, pasting and creating, not know that what I was doing was mixed media. I tried all different types of art (watercolor, oils, drawing) But I always came back to gathering and layering. Then once my kids were grown, I decided it was time for me! I dove head first into my art journey. Creating a business and life that I love.

Tell us about your journey to claim the title artist?

I think that the title of artist is hard as we begin… at least it was for me. I was creating full-time and building a business and I had to introduce myself in social setting and everyone would ask what I do. The first few times I awkwardly fumbled my way through what I did. And then finally got the confidence to say “I’m a mixed media artist”!

What is it about making art that stirs your soul?

Making art for me is.. not to sound cliche… but it’s a spiritual thing. It feels Divine. It crosses barriers, borders, languages and touches everyone from all walks of life. Everyone sees art through their lens and means something different to everyone. And there is no way that I could do that using words. Art also allows me a safe place to process, heal and uncover my own journey.

What is currently inspiring you?

Oh my, that’s hard! I’m inspired by everything! The stranger at the store with a purple and orange beanie, the snow that sparkles like diamonds, the Sienna sunset. We live in a magical world.

What does your creative Practice look like?

My practice happens in my journal pages. I work out my ideas then from what has inspired for the day. Then those ideas get translated into workshops or original art pieces.

How do you keep your creative practice fresh and inspired?

Being awake and present to the little things. Rest. Music. Play.

What sort of creative walls do you hit?

I go through dry spells where I feel like I have no fresh ideas. I feel like I’m doing the same thing over and over again. 

What do you do to move through them?

To move through those dry spells, I ask myself how I’m feeling today. Then I take out my journal and scribble, throw paint around like a child. I try to translate how I’m feeling with this time in my journal. And I keep doing this until something sparks. And it always does! The key is showing up!

How has your process evolved?

I think it’s always evolving, but currently I am learning with each brush stroke to be free (er). The perfectionist part of me wants everything to be in it's place and perfect. And you can see that from my earlier work. So I work hard at letting go and saying to myself "just let it be".

What do you wish you had known at the beginning of your creative journey?

I wish that I wouldn’t have been so hard on myself. That I’d worked harder on letting go of perfection. And realized that we can be both brave and afraid as we create or do anything in life.

Do you have a Creative Self Care Practice?

I always go back to asking myself what and how am I feeling today. I journal it out (in my writing only journal) Then I journal it out in my art journal. 

Do you have any creative rituals?

Yes, this may sound kind of funny or strange, which I’m ok with either way….lol. I spray frankincense and myrrh through my studio and then turn on the tv show friends on my I pad.