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.

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.