A STEWARD of  LEGACIES

A STEWARD of LEGACIES

September 07, 2024

With inspired purpose and great responsibility, fine artist Shannon Lawlor applies a lifetime of experience to preserve personal and cultural contributions of the past that serve as pillars for future progress.  The unintentional result has been the creation of one of the finest contemporary western and equine heritage collections of visual arts.

"CHOLO"

 Representative of the fine bridle horses developed in the tradition of the Spanish vaqueros, or cowboys, the magnificent grey "Cholo" is adorned in traditional inlaid silver working gear and trained in the skills of Charrería, the national sport of Mexico. Dating back to the 16th century by the Spanish conquistadors and founded on the methodology to manage livestock using horses, Charrería’s significant contribution has earned the esteemed recognition of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO.


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A Foundation Built on Purpose


To be inspired through purpose is a gift. The ability to inspire purpose in others is an extremely rare gift. There is no exact formula to develop this integral component of internal guidance, but those that appreciate and recognise how it is derived in their own lives are best postured to cultivate it in others. Fine artist Shannon Lawlor personifies this ability. With great appreciation for the contribution that horses have made in shaping her existence, coupled with a steadfast commitment to living an integrity-based value system, she passionately uses her talents to honour and perpetuate legacies that have shaped history. The result is an extensive collection that is coveted by those that admire the spirit of the horse in addition to the personal and cultural legacies born from this majestic animal.


“Over the years, I have met some wonderful people who have not only became collectors, but stayed in my life as dear friends and some, the sense of having an extended family. Seeing the joy on their faces when I create a piece for them, feeling their appreciation for my work, is second to none. It never ceases to amaze me how deeply appreciative people are. How the artwork resonates with them-still perplexes me.”

-Shannon Lawlor


A defining characteristic unique to Shannon’s portfolio is that each piece not only visually transports the observer to a split moment of time, but it also holds the energy of the subject’s unique legacy. Each piece encapsulates the culmination of formative lessons and simultaneously acts as a reminder that historical events establish the foundation for the future. Shannon’s ability to identify the defining details unique to each story and seamlessly transfer this knowledge to the present day is heavily influenced by her self-directed life curriculum that incorporates a focused commitment to preserving heritage, a strict adherence to purity in authenticity, and years invested enhancing knowledge with experience. By sharing the impact of both personal and cultural legacies, she is teaching future generations about where they come from and solidifies a sense of belonging, a roadmap for the future, and the added benefit of the positive feelings associated with nostalgia.


Preservation of Heritage

Originating from the cattle and ranching country of the Great Plains of Canada, Shannon’s search for knowledge to understand the origins of noteworthy horses and horseman has guided her travels to diverse locales throughout the world. From the grand farms of Poland that fought to preserve the royal bloodlines of the noble Arabian, to Kentucky’s famed blue grass pastures that nurture the sport of king’s Thoroughbred athletes, she has developed genuine respect for a variety of equestrian rooted cultures. This intimate connection has heavily influenced the diversity of her expansive portfolio.


“CASEY” 

Location: Southern Alberta, Canada

A tranquil ambiance of still melancholy serves as the backdrop to both the pure physical strength and deep look of knowing that is at the essence of "Casey." As with all of Shannon's paintings, there is underlying wisdom that is integral to a specific legacy. Personal to the artist, Casey steadfastly preserves the teachings and lineage of a childhood mentor that lead by example and was formative in establishing her lifelong respect for horses & solid horsemanship. 


Because of exposure, rather than comfort as a bi-product of naivety, Shannon’s heart recognises it is at home when her hand-stitched boots are firmly planted in the vast open spaces of the West. It is here that her equilibrium returns to balance and one can almost feel a deep exhale that comes from knowing one belongs. An assortment of fine threads- Old Vaquero ways, legendary horsemen, great bridle horses, purposeful working equipment, artisan created handcrafts- have deliberately been chosen and interwoven to create the fabric of her carefully curated ethos. Emboldened by heartfelt appreciation for the origins of this treasured lifestyle, she passionately uses her paintbrush as an instrument to showcase the seeds of both this age old heritage, as well as those near and far that she has become intimately familiar with, for the enrichment and enjoyment of others.


Authenticity

To accurately immortalise history, there is great responsibility in correctly depicting related values, traditions, and icons. Every detail within each body of work of Shannon's is painstakingly accurate. Serious and deliberate, her artistic process includes extensive research before a canvas is ever set on an easel. In our modern period of distorted filters, a question of truth is often of concern, yet trust in authenticity is a non-negotiable component within the entirety of Shannon’s portfolio. It is with complete certainty that reality is never compromised to promote her own creative agenda. Instead, she not only glorifies the obvious, but unabashedly shares the beauty of what could easily be overlooked as perceived ordinary.


"George Stubbs"

Born in Wyoming on a miserable day, the beloved Hancock bred gelding, "Croppy," lost his ears in the inclement weather, hence his name. The entirety of his confirmation was less than desired as the ideal cowhorse, yet his outward appearance was a counter reflection of the magnimaty of his heart and talent that earned him the respect as the epitome of a fine bridle horse.


From the loyal heart of a plain headed cow horse to a cowboy’s relaxed posture indicative of year’s learning patience, the audience is presented an intimate glimpse of an authentic way of life. This opportunity is only possible because of the personal invitations presented to Shannon in response to her heartfelt gratitude for the influences that are unique to the cultures she has worked to preserve. This unrelenting level of integrity has positioned the entirety of her work as one of the most respected western and equine heritage collections.

Enhancing Knowledge With Experience

Shannon’s breadth of knowledge has been honed over a lifetime as an astute student of great horseman, with the most influential lessons ingrained training colts in the traditional Vaquero way. Originating centuries ago by the Moors and adopted by the Spanish, this age-old method for training bridle horses strictly adheres to a a very slow and methodical process that follows the tenant of finesse over force.


"THREE WISE MEN"

 These regal geldings showcase the Vaquero progression of green to finished bridle horse, beginning with training using two hands to a bridged connection that relies on the finesse of  "two-reins" and finally the pinnacle of a single closed hand around traditional rawhide romal reins.


In the saddle, the seriousness of her commitment to practicing the principles of this respected school of horsemanship is evident in the level of masterful skills she applies to effectively communicate with her partner. Even more impressive is the rare sense of feel and a quiet presence, almost sympathetic in nature, characteristic of her personal riding style. The excessive amount of long days spent over the duration of many years honing her acumen as a horsewoman, albeit extremely rigorous both mentally and physically, provided the intimate knowledge of how working equipment, animal behaviour, heritage and cultural decorum function in the field.


“One of my greatest joys is to embrace what I believe to be a glimpse of the Real West in my paintings. The longer I rode horses for a living, the less random my horsemanship became. I learned how to ride with a purpose, constantly honing my ability and slowly acquiring gear imbued with meaning and pride. And now, the longer I paint, the more instinctively I paint with purpose. “ 

-Shannon Lawlor


Her art work serves as an interpretation of these experiences and presents a realistic context that both educates and entertains. The rough calluses acquired through each trial serve as a reminder of the importance of lessons learned in the past that serve as a foundation for the future.


Legacy - Impact & Inspiration

The ultimate inheritance bequeathed to one’s heirs is the impact of legacy. Shaped by history, age old traditions and cultural heritage, legacy is the result of the culmination of day to day activities that are a testament to the pillars of an intentional value system. Some are preserved within the obvious monuments, a family’s first ranch that was only possible because of the sacrifice of a home grown champion; while others are hidden within more subtle symbols, the deep buckle line on a cowboy’s invaluable headstall developed from years of wear by his loyal bridle horse. Whether the outward presentation is magnanimous or mundane, the most valuable jewel is the wisdom within that has been borne from heart and soul.


"Conchas"

The personal bridles of the vaquero are invaluable treasures. The silver adornment is testament of a man's pride and the wear is indicative of the countless hours developing a relationship with his loyal bridle horse.


As a storyteller, historian and sage custodian, Shannon unearths and subsequently shares the substance of these cultural and personal legacies to perpetuate each founder’s intentions. Counter to the customary practice of memorialising an event as a static image that can only be observed once removed, she graciously extends an invitation to participate in the reenactment of a specific moment. Subsequently an emotional bridge linking generations is thoughtfully constructed allowing for ancestral contributions to intermingle with real time aspirations and a space for wisdom to influence value-driven purpose. There is heartfelt joy resulting from the understanding of the best parts of how we came to be and it is with great passion and humility that Shannon Lawlor has purposely steered her vocation to narrate these origins. And for this monumental contribution of passing knowledge borne in an earlier age, we all must ultimately give thanks to a singular point of inspiration:

the love of the horse.


"Spanish Nights"

The universal symbol of love, the heart or "el corazón", as beautifully crafted in rawhide.


PERSONAL TESTAMENTS OF LEGACY


PETER CAMPBELL: A wise teacher of both man and horse


"MARIPOSA"

Translated from "butterfly" in Spanish.

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There is rich symbolism in the story of the royal blue butterfly that came to rest on the late Peter Campbell's well-worn rear billet strap. One can feel a sense of peace amidst the struggles of transformation and the beauty in the emergence of personal freedom. Peter's legacy of living day-to-day with compassion, integrity and thought lives infinitely through all of those that he touched. 


Thoughtful and curious by nature, Shannon's pursuit to answer the “why” behind the behaviour of horses led her to an extremely rare opportunity to study and work under the tutelage of the legendary horseman, Peter Campbell. One of the toughest experiences of her life became one of the most impactful moving forward. The long rigorous hours spent side-by-side training colts in the traditional Vaquero Way impressed upon her the importance of patience, harmony and communication, both with humans and horses. Each piece of equipment served a specific purpose and the principals learned were part of the foundation of an entire culture built upon respect for the horse.


"Most of you know me for the artist I am. However, the years leading up to my career, as an artist, I spent in the saddle learning from the one of the best and perfecting my horsemanship. 

Today I tip my hat to the late Peter Campbell  and thank him for his teachings of the finest, most uncomplicated horsemanship, shared with myself and thousands of others during his short life here. Starting all those colts, easing troubled horses, to this day has been one of the most fulfilling accomplishments of knowledge and feel engrained in my being. And for that, I am eternally grateful. “

-Shannon Lawlor


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VAQUERO GEAR: A Reflection of Pride


Bit By Bit

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"Why do all vaqueros and buckaroos use silver-mounted-bits and spurs?"

The old man turned in the saddle, stared at me in surprise and answered bluntly, "because thy have pride."

Then as if disgusted by such a foolish question, he asked sharply, "Have you ever seen a rider who didn't use silver-mounted-bits and spurs that was even worth a damn on a horse."

And before I could answer he explained patiently, " A man transmits his state of mind to his horse. A Rider who doesn't have enough pride in his trade to decorate his outfit with a little silver never rides a good horse because he had no pride to transmit to the horse and a horse that has not pride is never any good."

An excerpt from the classic "These were the Vaquero" the collected works of Arnold R. Rojas. (1)

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VAQUERO GEAR & EQUIPMENT

The vaquero's were working men and each was evaluated on the quality and care of his "outfit" - bits, saddles, spurs- the essentials to performing their job. Wealth was not judged on quantity, but rather quality and his pride was directly correlated to his equipment.


Purposeful horsemanship became very important to me, and with that came my respect for authentic gear and equipment. Learning about and appreciating what good gear was has always been a joy for me. In North America, different gear has developed over the ages, shaped by purpose depending on the lifestyle of the cowboys, the cattle and the land itself. Going back even further into history one can see when the horses and ‘vaqueros’ first came up through Mexico into California, bringing with them a strong sense of horsemanship and traditions rooted in the vaquero lifestyle. Their gear and horses were highly respected because they possessed a great sense of meaning and purpose to the vaqueros. This tradition has been carried down over hundreds of years and I find comfort in knowing that remnants of this deeply rooted lifestyle are very much alive and well here in North America.”

-Shannon Lawlor



NOTES

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IMPORTANT TERMS

Although the following words are often interchanged when documenting stories from the past, it is important to note that they actually have subtle differences that impact the meaning of legacy.


Culture: (noun) the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group

Heritage: (noun) property that descends to an heir

History: (noun) a chronological record of significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes

Legacy: something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past

(Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary )

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REFERENCES


(1) Rojas, A. R., & Rudish, R. (2010). These were the vaqueros. Alamar Media. p. 450


DETAILS

Experience Shannon’s extensive equine heritage collection and selected personal commissions by visiting her online gallery of ShannonLawlor.com .


Additionally, Shannon's sincerity and appreciation are evident in the heartfelt words she shares in a series of vignettes that eloquently share the influences that have inspired her artwork including how she connected with the  famed photographer and manager of the historic Pitchfork Ranch, Bob Moorhouse, met the legendary Thoroughbred Triple Crown champion, Justify and the background of George Stubbs. Read these vignettes and more at  Shannon Lawlor Blog.


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CONTACT

W: shannonlawlor.com 

E: info@shannonlawlor.com  

T: 403.836.2284

Follow: Facebook @LawlorArt / Instagram @lawlorart






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