No hurdles can stop Shawna from acheieving her dreams. She is an inspiration to all of us. Her determination and love for art has made her one of the best ceramic artist.

When did you discover your artistic side?S: I have always loved creating. I started sculpting with sculpey/polymer clay in grade school. I always loved art classes. My creating was put on hold upon high school graduation. Fast forward 9 years to when I was medically retired from the US Army. I started taking ceramics classes from a local potter and was instantly hooked.

Could you please tell us more about your love for ceramic? How do you pursue this love in your day to day activity?S: As I said above, it started after my medical retirement. I was looking for something that would be a good stress outlet, for occupational therapy (I have weakness and numbness in my left hand), and for therapy. I started with learning to throw on the wheel. After about 8 months however, I started having pain and weakness in my legs and was unable to continue throwing. I transitioned to handbuilding...which led to sculpting. Sculpting is where I found my true calling, my passion. I am lucky enough to have a small studio space right here in my home in northern Maine. On bad health days, I'm unable to get in the studio to create unfortunately. Thankfully, those days have been few and far between recently. I am able to get in the studio at least 4 days a week.

what are your other hobbies?S: I enjoy reading and spending time with family. I have a blog I maintain that is about my day to day life, incorporating my struggles, accomplishments, and what's going on in my studio.

who is your inspiration?S: It may sound corny, but my inspiration are my parents. They always have been and likely always will be. Regardless of the hurdles they face, they maintain a positive attitude. When I was medically retired, I had to move back in with my parents. I was very self loathing, feeling sorry for myself, depressed about all the things I could no longer do. It was them that showed me I was more than my disabilities. It was them that told me I could still do and be anything I wanted, even if I had to do it differently than I once had.

How can art play an important role for our special children?S: Art is HUGE for anyone! I think for a lot of people who face unique life situations, it can be a great outlet. It helps those without a voice really put themselves out there. It gives the nonverbal child a way to communicate with his/her family. It provides an outlet to safely and constructively release anger, frustration, sadness, despair, happiness, confusion...any and all of the above. Everyone has the ability to be an artist. An artist is simply one who makes art.

Any special message for our community?S: YOU are special! YOU can do anything you set your mind to! For me, I am NOT disabled. I am DIFFERENTLY-ABLED. And that makes ME special and unique. Don't believe what society tells you you can or cannot do. If you want to do something, THEN DO IT! If you can't do it the traditional way, figure out a way to do it to your abilities. Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it.

Her favorite ceramic creation is "The War Within" which is currently on display in Pittsburgh, PA at the Society for Contemporary Craft as part of their Community Voices companion exhibit to their primary Mindful exhibit.