Locals Only: Shannon Kennedy

Such sweetness is Shannon Kennedy, artist and owner of sass&peril, that she counts her mom as her greatest inspiration. She came to LA for a gig, but soon left that to start her own thing. We think she's the real deal.

Who are you?
Shannon Kennedy, owner and designer at sass&peril

What is your creative discipline?
Graphic Design and Screenprinting

What town are you from?
I was born and raised in Pensacola, FL and spent several years in Orlando, FL before moving out to the West coast.

What brought you to LA?
I relocated to the greater LA area for a job and the prospect of something new. I have since left that job to pursue my own creative efforts.

In what part of LA do you create?
I actually work out of my garage studio in Long Beach, CA but you can find me all over the greater LA area in shops and at pop-up shows.

Describe your creative process and the product that results from it
I create illustrations and designs that I then take into my screenprinting studio and print onto paper, fabric, wood and more. In short, the process begins with a design, then that design is printed from the computer using all black ink onto transparency film. Screens are coated with emulsion, which is a light-sensitive substance that when exposed to light will harden to create a stencil around the areas blocked out; hence the transparencies with black art. After exposure, screens are washed out with water and the areas blocked out by the art wash away leaving open mesh with which to pull the ink through. Squeegees are used to flood ink across the screen and are what will deposit the final pass onto the substrate. Each print will vary according to the pressure used and registration for each color employed. As you can tell, there is a lot of room for error in this process and it takes time to master. When you purchase something from my studio you are getting a one of a kind print hand applied to the item itself. They are not machine-printed therefore they are all unique with a velvety texture you can see and feel.

Describe your workspace/studio: the environment you create in
My screenprinting operations and equipment are located in the garage studio, however the designing takes place in my home office. Working in the garage has been nice, as I tend to make a mess whilst my office remains clean and tidy, most days.

Where did you learn your craft?
I was first introduced to screenprinting in college where I pursued my Graphic Design degree. I really loved all forms of printmaking but it was screenprinting that won me over. For me it is the possibility and reality of being able to take a design from concept to completion. I have the ability to design, print and package my own goods and that makes me happy.

Who/what is your greatest personal inspiration?
My Mom is a huge inspiration for me as she has been creative and making things as far back as I can remember. She really urged me to put myself out there and pursue what I love as an artist.

Who do you admire in your field?
I’m a big fan of mid-century modern design and all things Charley Harper. And although not a screenprinter, I love Jonathan Adler’s story and how he has turned his passion for pottery making into a successful multi-faceted brand.

Anyone else in LA that you think is doing great work in your field?
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Tim Biskup and seeing his work. His prints are incredible!

What do you consider your greatest achievement or success to date?
My studio is still pretty small, but recently at a design show a Hollywood set furnishing company picked up some prints for use in TV shows and movies, which I think is really neat!

What is the best thing about your creative endeavor?
Knowing that I am utilizing a practice that has been in use for over 100 years and that an artist such as Andy Warhol is someone I can call a fellow screenprinter!

The toughest?
The process. It is a labor of love. A four-color print means that I have hand-pulled that ink to the paper four times. This involves prepping and burning the screens, mixing the inks, the printing itself, allowing drying time, washing screens, registering the next color, printing it in the exact spot it will need to go and repeating the process. It takes hours, sometimes days, and can be filled with joy and frustration, but it is all worth it.

What are your top 3 LA influences, inspirations or spots?
When in search of inspiration, I’ll make a trip to a bookstore, a vintage shop, a boutique, an art store, or a museum. There are some great bookstores, vintage shops and boutiques along 4th St in Long Beach as well as Lyon Art Supply downtown. For museums I love LACMA and MCASD. Lastly, sometimes a simple bike ride or run can help to clear the mind.

How is LA a great place to create?
LA is great not only due to the sheer amount of resources and exposure but also for the amazing design and art community. I have made some wonderful friends of fellow artists at events and have had the chance to meet some highly creative people who share my passion for great design. Other than New York City I cannot imagine a US city bursting with as much creative energy and talent than LA!

What are your thoughts on the LA art/design scene? Is it viable? If not, what could make LA more relevant?
As a transplant to LA I would have to say that the challenge for me has been just networking and navigating the scene in such a large city. It really takes time to explore places and establish relationships within the design and art community but it is totally possible through events like Unique LA and Renegade where hundreds of artists all come together in one venue. Monthly meetups could be beneficial to keep artists connected and bounce ideas around.

Do you have a philosophy and/or words to live by?
I’m a firm believer in taking well-calculated chances. I like this quote by Columbus, “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

Where can we find you?
I participate in art and design shows such as Unique LA, Renegade, Patchwork and other pop-up shows around the greater LA area.
Online:
www.sassandperil.com
www.sassandperil.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/sassandperil
www.twitter.com/sassandperil