We had the good fortune of connecting with Sha’na Cain and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sha’na, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I dont sit around waiting to be inspired by things. I’ve found that inspiration is an inward journey. For me, It’s a result of stillness, heightened awareness and curiosity.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is my souls expression. My unique impression on this planet earth. One of my favorite forms of expression is photography combined with poetry. I specialize in nature and brand photography. I am known for the pictures I take of flowers, butterflies, and bees paired with my conscious poetry. I am most proud of my awareness and ability to be observant and a witness to the beauty of the world around and within me. It’s very easy to be consumed by our problems and the chaos of the world. It’s so easy to succumb to pessimism and hyper-focus on all the ugliness we are shown and sometimes experience.
Along with my focus on nature, my way of thinking and awareness sets me apart from others. I see things most don’t see due to their being busy / distracted. My poetry also adds to my distinction, providing an extra layer of depth to the images I’ve captured.
My journey has not been paved with smooth roads. I’ve navigated financial ruin, struggled mentally, and physically with my health. This path has required faith beyond measure. It has required determination and a strong sense of self-belief. I’ve dealt with self-doubt and lack of support from those closest to me. I’ve dealt with stolen equipment and even homelessness. I’ve beat death and a custody battle while still maintaining my creativity. I’ve had to come face to face with turmoil and feelings of being overlooked, under qualified, and ignored.
Overcoming each obstacle was a matter of self love, self belief, acceptance and faith. Trusting myself and the universe enough to take steps forward when I couldn’t even see my way. I’ve learned so much, from everything. Stillness from the flowers, faith from the hard times. I’ve learned so much about myself and my interconnection to nature, the earth, and others. I’ve learned who I really am and what I am capable of.
I want the world to know, my children especially, that anything is possible, if you believe. It sounds cliche but it’s true, we can do whatever we are determined to do.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the area I would make sure we visited the Botanical Gardens, the High Museum, Jeju, The Aquarium and a local concert or sporting event. We would grab brunch at J Christoper’s, First Watch or Maple St Biscuit Co. For lunch / dinner: Slutty Vegan, The Real Milk & Honey, Velvet Taco, R Thomas or Jinya. We would definitely hit up Bar Vegan and the Painted Duck.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my Shout Out to Zay my husband and our 2 beautiful kids: Don & Zauri.
Zay, my husband and a local artist, also deserves a shout out.
Instagram: http://instagram.com/by.shana
Twitter: twitter.com/tweetsbyshana
Other: tiktok.com/@toksbyshana?_t=8ceXSqWJszb&_r=1 https://www.threads.net/@by.shana
Image Credits
Photo credits : By Sha’na