Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Siver.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have always enjoyed looking at the night sky. I have watched meteor showers, satellites and the International Space Station for years. Years ago, I was in an area with very dark skies (away from light pollution) and was able to look up in the night sky and see the Milky Way. I became very driven to learn how to use a camera to capture the night sky and the Milky Way. To get a good image of the night sky you must learn how to use the different settings on a camera. This took me a few years to learn. This experience is what led me to another passion, landscape photography. As my skills as a landscape photographer continued to develop my wife and I looked to start a business where we could incorporate my passion for photography with our passion for traveling. While we have been able to travel the world and see many incredible places we made the decision to focus our business on images and experiences from the state of Texas. Windows into Texas was born.
We travel around the state meeting new people and finding new places to share with our followers on our website and social media. Part of the experience we look to share is showing images that resonate with people – due to road trips they may have taken as a child or maybe of places people have always wanted to see.
We have traveled to Rockport to participate in the Rockport Art Fest (less than a year after Hurricane Harvey) and 2 weeks later watch a sunrise from Big Bend.
I realized I had come full circle when we were in Big Bend a few weeks ago – we went just south of Panther Junction just before midnight and looked up. The Milky Way was clearly visible. It still makes me smile like a little kid.
Please tell us about your art.
My work is mainly landscape photography. I found it interesting that I can take a photo in Rockport of an incredible sunrise and a week later catch a sunrise in Lajitas. Hundreds of miles apart, a different feel, a different emotion but the same sun. I always find it interesting that more people are not out watching what I am watching. I look to find the contrast of the different geography with the same subject. I enjoy catching the sunrise or sunset in different settings. Once an image has been captured I look to put into a format people will be drawn to.
I use metallic photo paper and metal the metallic qualities of metallic paper help bring out the colors and make them more vivid. The yellows and oranges of a sunrise or sunset change the colors of the landscape. I work with a professional framer to set the image with the best matting and frame to create a final overall package that people would be proud to hang on their wall. I have gravitated more and more to images on metal. I enjoy people reactions when they first see images on metal. They see the incredible color on a thin piece of metal. Once the image is finalized I write a short story or description of where the image was captured. I tell about what I was seeing, hearing, smelling and feeling when I took the image. I want people who follow my work or purchase my work to feel a connection with what they see in the image.
I name some of the more popular images. After the Storm was captured about 2 weeks after Hurricane Harvey. The image is a few minutes after sunset when the sky had some amazing colors. The image was taken on Copano Bay, where Harvey had made landfall. The image is eye catching, they story with the image is emotional for people. Another popular image is called Sentinels. It is a black and white of 2 cypress tress on the Guadalupe River. It was a cold and cloudy day when I stopped to take the photo. People stare at it. I think it is the detail of the exposed roots and the bark. There is something powerful about the image. The last person who purchased this image kept staring at it. As a photographer there is nothing more satisfying than seeing an image you have captured as an effect on someone. I want my work to touch people on an emotional level. Maybe remind them of something they once saw or show them something they should go see.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
There are so many incredibly talented artists today. Technology has allowed for many new ways for artists to show their work but that can also be a challenge. An artist needs to pick and choose the right opportunities to maximize getting their work seen. We support our local artists and look to support local shows. While we promote the shows, we travel to we also feel it is important to support our local area and promote and get involved in local organizations. The Woodlands has a natural beauty and is a great place to call home. With the growth in the area over the years there are more people who are willing to buy art but the cost of finding retail areas or getting involved in art shows needs to show a return on the artist investment.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My images can be found on www.windowsintotexas.com and on social media. We have a Windows Into Texas Facebook page and a Windows Into Texas Instagram page. We also have work in different galleries around the state and participate in art shows. We announce the shows we participate in via our website and our social media pages. We have built a following at this point and some people contact us through email – info@windowsintotexas.com. People may have seen an image online or at a show and they have questions on size and media. We also have met people in some of the places we travel. We can bring a specific piece or bring samples of what we offer. Our focus in 2019 will be to get gallery coverage around the state and participate in art shows around the state.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.windowsintotexas.com
- Phone: 281-817-0180
- Email: info@windowsintotexas.com
- Instagram: @windowsintotexas
- Facebook: @WindowsIntoTexas
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
