Illuminating the Soul
The Artistic Journey of Shawn Dixon
Shawn Dixon's captivating artwork invites us on a journey of self discovery, illuminating the concept that true peace and contentment stem from within. By seamlessly blending abstract and representational elements, Dixon creates mesmerizing works that embody the essence of the human experience. His paintings encourage us to pause and reflect, appreciating the beauty of life and exploring our inner selves to discover the peace and creativity that reside within us all.
Dixon's passion for painting was sparked at a young age, courtesy of his grandfather, a skilled carpenter, and painter. During his summer visits to Maine, Dixon's grandfather imparted the fundamentals of oil painting, igniting a flame that still burns bright today. Dixon was introduced to the art of mixing and thinning paint and was taught to think outside the box, using unconventional tools such as paper towels to create stunning foliage. These lessons, passed down from one generation to the next, continue to shape Dixon's artistic vision.
Dixon's mother believed in his artistic talent and encouraged him to showcase it, even entering his drawings in local competitions. It was through one such competition that Dixon discovered a newfound passion for art. After seeing an ad for Carnival Cruise lines, Dixon submitted a drawing and was elated to win the competition and have his work featured in an advertisement. Despite initial hesitation about a career in art due to the common stigma of "starving artists," Dixon's mother and art teacher eventually signed him up for an advanced placement art class, igniting his passion for the craft. While Dixon initially pursued a business education in college, he soon realized that it did not captivate his imagination.
However, a required graphic arts class reignited his love for art and set him on a path to pursue his true calling.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Dixon stepped away from his business program and took a break from school. A visit to a friend studying at the New England School of Art and Design changed everything for Dixon. He recalls, "It almost seemed too good to be true. The artwork at the school was impressive, and for the first time, I saw that my love of art could be channeled into a viable career."
Through his coursework, Dixon was drawn to surrealism and sought the guidance of one of the school's top teachers. Under her mentorship, Dixon was pushed to challenge himself. "A particularly challenging assignment to draw a ball of twine left me completely blocked," Dixon remembers. "It was only when I realized I could use my eraser to create the tiny hairs of the twine that I successfully completed the drawing. I was also reminded of my grandfather and the paper towel. Creativity is not just what ends up on the paper, it is how it ends up on the paper that is very exciting to me." This realization solidified Dixon's determination to pursue a career where he could employ creativity.
Dixon embarked on a journey leading him to the forefront of illustration, graphic design, and marketing. An encounter with a friend resulted in his first published work in Adweek, marking a significant milestone in his journey.
Aptly wielding his skills, Dixon went on to leave his mark on renowned brands like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria's Secret, and L.L. Bean, crafting logos and illustrations that were both eye-catching and timeless. His portfolio also features designs for Baskin Robbins, Hasbro, Walt Disney Feature Animation, and Dreamworks Animation, further showcasing his talent and versatility. peace,” Dixon says. “It acted as therapy, reigniting my passion for art.”
However, amidst the buzz of a thriving graphic design business, Dixon found himself yearning for a deeper connection to his art. "My wife saw that I was struggling,” Dixon relates, “and suggested I create a space for myself to paint and explore my creativity." And thus began his return to fine art, a powerful moment of self discovery that reignited his passion for fine art.
Revitalized by the therapeutic power of painting, Dixon found solace in his easels and supplies. He could escape the pressures of his business and tap into the depths of his imagination. “Painting provided me with a sense of peace,” Dixon says. “It acted as therapy, reigniting my passion for art.”
As Dixon began sharing his creations on social media, he was inundated with requests from art enthusiasts. His paintings had struck a chord with the public, and the emotional resonance of his work was evident. “I was amazed to find that my paintings meant as much to them as they did to me,” Dixon recalls. “This appreciation for my work gave me a sense of purpose and motivated me to continue creating.”
With orders for prints pouring in, Dixon was overjoyed by the response to his work. People sent him pictures of his paintings hanging proudly in their homes, and their heartfelt feedback filled him with immense joy. “The love and joy I get from seeing it hung up in someone’s home are indescribable,” Dixon says. “It means so much to me.”
After living and working in Boston, LA, and Rhode Island, Dixon works out of his home studio in the idyllic New England town of Plainfield, New Hampshire.
Dixon is prolific, devoting nearly every day to his creative pursuits. His method is intuitive, starting with the background and letting his emotions guide the color choices. With birds as his frequent subject, he meticulously works on the focal point with fine brushes before switching to a palette knife to bring together the background, subject, and foreground.
Dixon's approach to art is personal, honed through years of "selfish painting," where he creates purely for himself. The result is a serene and introspective journey, evident in each brushstroke.
Inspired by his surroundings, Dixon's recent piece featuring the Meriden Covered Bridge is a testament to his connection to the environment. Captivated by a sky that perfectly complemented a work in progress, he was moved to capture the beauty in a stunning painting.
Dixon's art combines the abstract and the realistic to create a distinctive visual experience. With dynamic backgrounds and realistically portrayed subjects, his paintings offer a unique blend of style and substance. Vibrant colors and intriguing textures serve as focal points, drawing the viewer into each work.
Dixon's work has been showcased in prestigious institutions such as the AVA Gallery, Mayme Clayton Museum, and Newport Art Museum. Believing that art's purpose is to evoke emotion, he creates deeply personal pieces with the hope of evoking positive feelings in the viewer. "What I am sharing with my work is subjective, but I hope it makes people feel something profound," says Dixon.
Dixon's art invites the viewer on a journey of emotions and creates a unique visual experience that is both personal and impactful. With every brush stroke and vibrant color, Dixon continues to share his love for art and leaves a lasting impact on those who experience it.