Our Stick Of The Week! is Shawna Handke. Shawna is in the NOW as an artist and illustrator working overtime to share her drawings, paintings, illustrations and screen printed works with the world. Her Etsy shop, Shanke Art, has blossomed since her children were born. She sells her custom Toms, paintings, note cards, screen printed tees and plushies, which she collaborates with a friend to create. Her handmade goods are ever-changing in her shop.
Shawna Handke and her boys
Shawna also loves local businesses and continually searches for ways to collaborate with them in Nyack, NY. Some of the local businesses she's worked with in the past include Maria Luisa Boutique, Mario the Magician, Eyevolution Optique, Gypsy Donut, Nyack Needs a Skatepark, Living Christ Church, and soon will be adding Art Cafe to the list.
A few months ago, one of her illustrated designs for the new Artist Collective Mighty Collective Wallets were created, largely in part to the support of the local community.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall).
I am an artist who specializes in illustration, oftentimes implementing a hint of design. Those four years I spent studying graphic design really influenced my work and my over all style. I specifically love drawing with pen and ink, adding color with those good ‘ole Prismacolor markers and oftentimes paint with acrylic. After all, I focused on painting while I completed my Bachelor’s degree several years ago. A few years ago, I taught myself to screen print. So now I also thoroughly enjoy screen-printing on t-shirts and found materials. I sell my goods in an etsy shop, and I have been collaborating with other creative individuals and local businesses on various illustration gigs whenever possible.
I am an artist who specializes in illustration, oftentimes implementing a hint of design. Those four years I spent studying graphic design really influenced my work and my over all style. I specifically love drawing with pen and ink, adding color with those good ‘ole Prismacolor markers and oftentimes paint with acrylic. After all, I focused on painting while I completed my Bachelor’s degree several years ago. A few years ago, I taught myself to screen print. So now I also thoroughly enjoy screen-printing on t-shirts and found materials. I sell my goods in an etsy shop, and I have been collaborating with other creative individuals and local businesses on various illustration gigs whenever possible.
 Little Nest |  Hanging Around |
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
I would say that my NOW is at a nice simmer. I have several dreams about my work and where I see myself going from here, but I definitely have enough happening to keep myself more than busy with two boys under the age of four right now. In other words, I have some dreams that I plan to achieve once my boys are a bit older. Everything is in progress right now.
I would say that my NOW is at a nice simmer. I have several dreams about my work and where I see myself going from here, but I definitely have enough happening to keep myself more than busy with two boys under the age of four right now. In other words, I have some dreams that I plan to achieve once my boys are a bit older. Everything is in progress right now.
Black Birds Bike T-Shirt
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
Set specific goals for yourself and find ways to motivate yourself to make it to the finish line. Sometimes, I find that this means I have to include my children in the creative process. Trust me, they don’t mind. In fact, they love it and want to be a part of it. It’s all a learning curve. So most importantly, we all need to give ourselves some grace when things aren’t working the way we really think they should work.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
I prefer to be happy and that means I needed to find the “work” that kept me motivated to keep going and happy on a daily basis. During one of the last moments I had with my father, he sensed my joy as I shared my most recent drawings and sketches with him. He told me to be sure to continue creating no matter what happened in life. Those last moments ultimately inspired me to throw away all that sucked life from me and inspired me to throw in my noodle so I could find a way to provide a source of income and maintain happiness. (It’s been a gradual process.)
Set specific goals for yourself and find ways to motivate yourself to make it to the finish line. Sometimes, I find that this means I have to include my children in the creative process. Trust me, they don’t mind. In fact, they love it and want to be a part of it. It’s all a learning curve. So most importantly, we all need to give ourselves some grace when things aren’t working the way we really think they should work.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
I prefer to be happy and that means I needed to find the “work” that kept me motivated to keep going and happy on a daily basis. During one of the last moments I had with my father, he sensed my joy as I shared my most recent drawings and sketches with him. He told me to be sure to continue creating no matter what happened in life. Those last moments ultimately inspired me to throw away all that sucked life from me and inspired me to throw in my noodle so I could find a way to provide a source of income and maintain happiness. (It’s been a gradual process.)
 Birds And Falling Feather Custom Toms Shoes |  Moleskin Journal "Owlie The Dreamer" |
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
I have to say that whenever I look at my children and their creativity, I am inspired. There is so much simplicity and joy in a child’s life. I try to latch onto those moments when I can. Other than my boys, there are numerous things that drive my creativity. I absolutely love nature. When we go on hikes, bike rides or walks, it’s like I’ve escaped reality. Also I am absolutely driven to create with the “right” music and when I have time to play music with my kids. (Honestly, I could go on and on with this question.) As long as I keep my eyes, ears, and heart open, I am inspired to be a creative Mom and to create things in my own life that are beautiful.
I have to say that whenever I look at my children and their creativity, I am inspired. There is so much simplicity and joy in a child’s life. I try to latch onto those moments when I can. Other than my boys, there are numerous things that drive my creativity. I absolutely love nature. When we go on hikes, bike rides or walks, it’s like I’ve escaped reality. Also I am absolutely driven to create with the “right” music and when I have time to play music with my kids. (Honestly, I could go on and on with this question.) As long as I keep my eyes, ears, and heart open, I am inspired to be a creative Mom and to create things in my own life that are beautiful.
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
Some days, I don’t juggle well. I think that’s part of being a Mama first and foremost. I suppose that’s why we all need to give ourselves a bit of grace. We’re not perfect, and we never will be. I simply do my best to just live in the moment, and when I don’t get the time I had hoped to have for my NOW, I remind myself that the kiddos will only be this age once. They grow up far too quickly! On the days when I do juggle life well, there is enough time for the boys and for myself to get a little creative time. Of course, there are also numerous late nights and at least one day a week when I schedule uninterrupted work time. My hubby’s also great with cleaning up the dishes and helping out, so he’s the superpower for my creative time in the evenings.
Some days, I don’t juggle well. I think that’s part of being a Mama first and foremost. I suppose that’s why we all need to give ourselves a bit of grace. We’re not perfect, and we never will be. I simply do my best to just live in the moment, and when I don’t get the time I had hoped to have for my NOW, I remind myself that the kiddos will only be this age once. They grow up far too quickly! On the days when I do juggle life well, there is enough time for the boys and for myself to get a little creative time. Of course, there are also numerous late nights and at least one day a week when I schedule uninterrupted work time. My hubby’s also great with cleaning up the dishes and helping out, so he’s the superpower for my creative time in the evenings.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
Spaghetti and meatballs. Oh wait! You’re not asking about food. I’d have to say that my ultimate pasta dish is a bit like spaghetti and meatballs though. When I make meatballs, I add a bit of this and that. I hope to continue some of the fine artwork that I create, but at the same time have some more illustration opportunities. Maybe continue this year’s goals, such as creating a 2-D animation and finishing a children’s book is a great place to start.
Spaghetti and meatballs. Oh wait! You’re not asking about food. I’d have to say that my ultimate pasta dish is a bit like spaghetti and meatballs though. When I make meatballs, I add a bit of this and that. I hope to continue some of the fine artwork that I create, but at the same time have some more illustration opportunities. Maybe continue this year’s goals, such as creating a 2-D animation and finishing a children’s book is a great place to start.
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