“As I take in the world around me, my brain subconsciously begins to create surreal and unconventional ideas which are the frameworks for each painting I begin. My work prompts viewers to have countless experiences as they take in each aspect of the painting so they are not arriving at the same conclusions. The expressionistic, assertive ways of the applied mediums hope to perplex and stimulate each audience in a unique way. I work intuitively and never hesitate to begin applying as much or as little paint to the canvas as I see necessary at that specific moment. It feels instinctual to begin painting this way, thinking too much and making things precise takes the joy away from the spontaneity of my process. The process is a story, an experience, and the end piece is filled with mistakes, experiments, and a puzzle that hopes to makes viewers become entranced in the piece.”

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Shannon McKee graduated with a BA in Art Practice from the University of California, Berkeley. Although she began to paint early on in life, it was not until she began her undergraduate career that she had the space and resources to flourish as an artist, discovering a gift she never knew she had. During this time she was awarded the opportunity to show several works in exhibitions in Kroeber Hall's Worth Ryder Art Gallery- UC Berkeley’s most prestigious art gallery. 

After graduating, Shannon started a new chapter in her life. Originally from Southern California, she decided to go back to her roots after spending five years in Berkeley. She attributes her move to San Diego as marking a new era in her artistic pursuits.  Shannon signed a lease on her own art studio in San Diego’s oldest historical art building, The Brokers Building.  There, she was an artist and curator, producing grand bi-yearly art galas.  She finds her inspiration at that current time and carefully hand picks each artist to be a part of these exclusive and prestigious events.  She wishes to continue to push herself and grow as a curator, but also not lose her passion for painting and continue to push herself outward as an abstract painter.