Bio
Professional Background
Sonya Shannon teaching in the MFA Computer Art Lab
School of Visual Arts, New York City 1993
Sonya Shannon has had a successful career as a digital effects artist and educator that spans Canada, the USA, and Asia. She graduated from the prestigious classical animation program at Sheridan College and taught computer art and 3D computer animation in the MFA programs at School of Visual Arts and Pratt Institute in New York City.
Highlights of her career include special visual effects on “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,” a stint as a creative director at Broadway Video (home of “Saturday Night Live”), and a pioneer digital version of Josef Albers’ “Interaction of Color” shown at New York City’s Guggenheim Museum.
Read about Sonya’s healing and spiritual work.
Artistic Influences
Sonya’s distinctive style is shaped by her training in hand-drawn animation, combined with expertise in digital color, 3-D computer animation and digital effects. Her current work reflects her sources of interest and inspiration, from childhood when she first discovered the visionary writings and etchings of William Blake, to her teen years guided by the allegorical fantasy scenes of Maxfield Parrish and Roger Dean, and later discoveries including the mysterious symbolism of Remedios Varo and George Tooker.
Early computer art and animation deeply shaped Sonya’s decision to use digital tools and a cinematic process to make fine art. These influences, combined with a personal collection of crystals, costumes, and collectibles, give rise to lavishly illuminated images that conjure up metaphysical realms of imagination and fantasy.
Click here to discover how Sonya makes her artwork!
Sonya Shannon working on “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock” in 1984
Omnibus Simulation, Toronto, Canada