Local artist Shannon Wadsworth of M Street Artwork launched her intricate coastal art collection out of a love and passion for the beach. Her lovingly hand-crafted rope and wood designs have been on display in West Coast Living showrooms since last year, and we couldn’t wait to take the time to chat with her about her unique pieces.
Tell us a little bit about you, Shannon! How long have you been an artist, and what inspired you to start M Street Artwork?
Shannon: I’ve had an interest in painting ever since I was a teenager. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I incorporated wood and rope into my paintings. My husband and I had just finished building a beach house in Newport and I was looking for some fun coastal art to hang in it. When I couldn’t find anything unique, I decided to come up with something on my own. While working out of my garage, neighbors started to walk by, asking if any of my pieces were for sale. It was then that I got the idea to turn this hobby into a business.
What is your favorite piece in your catalog, and what makes it special to you?
Shannon: My favorite piece in my catalog is the large centered octopus. I’ve always had a fascination with them and it’s the first piece I ever created.
You are blessed to call Southern California home. How do you infuse elements of the coastal casual lifestyle into your designs?
Shannon: My work is a reflection of the casual beach lifestyle I’m surrounded by everyday. M Street is the name of our favorite local beach where we spend most of our weekends with family and friends. My husband and two boys are passionate surfers who are always helping me come up with new ideas. I try to keep my designs simple and fun, and create pieces that I know would look good in my own home.
In addition to crafting beautiful art, you’re also a wife and a Mom to two boys! How do you effortlessly strike that balance between your various roles in life?
Shannon: It’s definitely not easy balancing home life with M Street Artwork! I’m lucky in that I work out of a home studio so I can create my own hours. Unfortunately, sometimes that involves working very early mornings or late into the night, after the kids have gone to bed. However, I’m fortunate to have a very supportive husband that takes over the daily household chores when I’m swamped with orders. Sometimes he will even help me cut wood on the weekends. I’m still waiting for my boys to take an interest!
We’re excited to have your line featured in our showrooms. How did you know we were a perfect retail partner?
Shannon: I was thrilled to find out M Street Artwork would be coming to West Coast Living showrooms. While my line is an obvious fit with the Tommy Bahama brand, I think most of my pieces can be easily incorporated to fit with other traditional brands West Coast Living has to offer. You certainly don’t have to live at the beach to accessorize with coastal items.
Walk us through a typical morning (or afternoon) in your studio.
Shannon: I typically begin my day in the studio around 7am. I spend most of my mornings cutting wood, attaching it and chalking out the designs. In the afternoon, I paint and seal each piece. The drying process can take awhile, so often I have to wait until the next day to rope, sign and hang each item. Fridays are spent packaging and getting each order ready to ship. During trade show season, I often work over the weekends. In the “off” season, I spend most of my time creating new designs and products.
What are 3-5 words you would use to describe your art?
Shannon: I would describe my products as playful, coastal, casual and unique.
What’s next for you and M Street Artwork? What can we look forward to seeing from you in 2017?
Shannon: Next year I hope to incorporate mountain/cabin themes into my designs for those who don’t fit the coastal customer. I also look forward to creating more display tray designs and sizes. The ones I launched this year were a hit and make a great gift!
Visit your local West Coast Living showroom to shop Shannon’s art!
