Shana Wilson

"Bardot" by Shana Wilson - Contemporary Portrait of Bardot over Red Background

2012

Challenging artistic norms and celebrating women's empowerment, Shana Wilson, the Canadian artist born in 1966 in Edmonton, has emerged as a change-maker in the world of art. With over two decades of artistic prowess, Shana's journey is characterized by a passionate commitment to honoring inspirational women through her powerful portraits and figurative art. Shanas' works have been featured in many prominent publications, namely the TIMES. Shana's unconventional path to becoming a renowned artist is as inspiring as her work. Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing from the University of Alberta, she excelled in the corporate world, serving as both a manager and business owner. Notably, she also wore the hat of Executive Producer and Producer for the Hollywood movie "Diablo," featuring Scott Eastwood and Walton Goggins. Yet, her true calling was in the realm of art. At the age of 33, Shana embarked on a transformative journey, returning to art school to pursue her passion. Her determination and commitment led to a flourishing art career, defying age-related expectations. At 55, she is now trailblazing a path for mature women in the art world, proving that her second act is even more potent. Shana's artistic legacy revolves around capturing the essence of inspirational women from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and orientations. Her portraits serve as a powerful testament to these trailblazers who have sparked social change. In 2019, she introduced the "For Women Who Roar" portrait exhibition, showcasing fifteen five-foot-tall portraits of game-changing women. Her current project, "Presenting HERstory," further amplifies the voices of remarkable women. What sets Shana apart is her mission to challenge the prevailing artistic marginalization of women. She seeks to redefine how women are portrayed in art by empowering them on canvas. While many galleries and museums feature oppressive depictions of women, Shana's art empowers women and celebrates their strength, resilience, and individuality. Her work stands as a powerful call for change in the art world's representation of women. Throughout her career, Shana Wilson has achieved significant milestones, including being commissioned by TIME Magazine to create cover art featuring iconic figures like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Jackie Kennedy. She has also portrayed multi-platinum recording artist Serena Ryder, breast cancer survivor and scar activist Golden Drake, and Anita Hill, a trailblazer who confronted the Supreme Court on sexual harassment. Shana's artistic vision extends to capturing the likes of Serena Williams for Nike and a female astronaut for NASA, with the goal of continuing to empower women through her captivating art. Shana Wilson's artistic journey is driven by a desire to inspire future generations with portraits that celebrate inclusive leadership. Her art leaves a lasting legacy, challenging the traditional representation of women in art and advocating for a more equitable artistic landscape. In Shana Wilson's world, art is a powerful medium for storytelling and celebrating women's achievements. Her mission is not merely to share her own story but to ensure that the remarkable stories of women are discovered, celebrated, and remembered.