Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaunee Ericksen-Lamb.
Hi Shaunee, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Art for me is intertwined with motherhood, and one’s innate ability to create. In 2009 I became a mother, and with that new role came an understanding of the most profound experience of my life. But with the highs, came some darkest lows. I know what motherhood can mentally, physically, and emotionally do to you. Instead of being balanced, I was off kilter leaning too far into that dark void.
The shift came when I picked back up a paintbrush. I have always been an artist but had stopped many years before. Motherhood brings forth a new me. Me, I had never known before. One that is compassionate, patient, and with a childlike view that allows me to see beauty all around. This spark was a sense of renewal, refreshing the creative drive.
I was more than I was before, a part of me that was completely untapped. I had brought forth life, not just theirs, but mine. To that point, I had lived 29 years, and not known what I was truly capable of. These last few years, I have grown more than I ever thought possible and loved deeper than I ever could have imagined. I have grown to be, because of my experiences as a mom.
Motherhood taught me to look outside myself, to dig deeper to find strength, while pulling my head above the water to stare at the sun, knowing I am not alone. To me, it has stopped the endless search for what it all means because I have found it. And in that calm after the storm, there was the fluidity untapped.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At the end of 2020, I found myself in the worst artist block I have yet to date. It is no surprise that year left its mark on everyone, zapping the energy and spirit out of the most resilient. My creativity flowed to stop, and instead of pushing back, I relinquished. So how does one push through a block? I did not have an answer to that question.
I thought perhaps the best thing I could do is to take a long break. But I found the longer I took away from my craft, the more I started to question my abilities and the more my creativity dipped. I started to question myself as an artist, seeing my creations in a new light. One that shined a harsh picture on what it took away rather than what it gave.
I saw dollar signs in the supplies, and time wasted away from my family, from my kids. I started to feel silly that I ever ventured down this road, what was I doing with my life, my time, our money? People are suffering from real issues, and here I have been immersed in myself giving nothing back but very much taking.
And maybe taking a break is the answer for some, but it was not for me, I knew if I stopped, it could be years before I ventured back to my studio. To get back on track, I had to acknowledge where this abandonment of my muse was coming from. These were just my own fears of judgment manifesting. I looked at why I picked art back up in the first place. I looked at what my art represented to me.
That the act of creation in itself had healed me to be where I am today, and that set it aside would be discarding its worth in my life. I realized I can be a provider for my family, even if it is not through a dollar sign. And that the creative process is not taking me away from them, if anything it makes me a better person. It calms my soul and gives instant gratification, which sometimes lack in the day-to-day role of a mom.
I began to slowly move forward, by realizing this temporary sojourn will look different for everyone. For the dark night of the soul sings an individual tune. I forced myself to create anything, even if my heart was not in it, even if it was not an original idea.
Little by little I fanned the flame. Art is a fickle friend, who needs me to put in the effort, my time, and attention. It won’t just show up because I am there, pencil in hand after weeks of absents. I need to show I am worthy of its call and respectful of its time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Utah-based native and a self-taught artist. Starting my artistic journey in acrylic paint, colored pencil, and oil, and my newest obsession is resin artwork. It is within this challenging medium, that I have been able to push the boundary of what my talent can accomplish, making pieces that are truly one of a kind and not replicable.
What sets me apart from others, is my sense of adventure that is reflected in my pieces. Showcasing a vast range of natural aptitude and a keen eye with my ever-evolving style. I don’t stay on topic or one medium long, it’s the ADHD in me that keeps me bouncing around.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me, is my family and my faith. Motherhood has stopped the endless search for what it all means because I have found it in the presence of my kids. My art, like motherhood, has taught me to set aside my pride and accept faith. Art and creating go hand in hand with faith. For faith, is liken unto creating. The more I exercise it, the more my abilities grow.
Pricing:
- $695
- $495
- $545
- $775
Contact Info:
- Website: fleurdelamb.com
- Instagram: @fleur_de_lamb
- Facebook: @fleurdelamb
- Youtube: @Fleur deLamb
