Artists: Shannon Joy x Christopher Blackmon

Project Statement: We chose to collaborate with each other knowing how much of a challenge it might be to merge our styles. The idea of the balance and precision in a photo realistic portrait colliding with the intensity and bright colors of the emotional abstract really appealed to us, so we set out to make it happen. As we went through the process, it became clear that this piece was a powerful statement about how life works. No matter how colorful and turbulent our thoughts and emotions become on any given day, we can choose to maintain our peace. Our reality CAN rest seamlessly atop our most intense and vibrant emotions, but only if we are willing to acknowledge and honor those feelings. By doing that, we utilize all the aspects of who we are and allow the different parts of us to work together, creating a beautiful reality of a whole person.