Meet Shayna Cohn | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shayna Cohn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shayna, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I recently had a baby, well one year ago. This has changed my work/life balance a lot. I have a lot less time to dilly-dally in the studio and this has forced me to be very intentional and focused when I get a chance to be in the studio. This has been helpful and has forced me to focus on using what material and one modality of working, which right now is ceramics and candle holders. I think this has helped refine my approach at a steady rate. Usually, I jump from one thing to another. I appreciate how a limited amount of time has forced me to focus and see a project to completion. Time spent with my little one can be fully engrossing, but there are some moments to daydream, which often produces new ideas. It’s a different rhythm to life and I’m still adjusting.

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.
I love disco balls. I love them in the daytime, in the nighttime, and especially during the golden hour. Disco balls turn light into magic! The practical effect of light on glass reminds me of occurrences in nature — beautiful sunsets, light shimmering on a rushing river, the flickering of flames in a fire just to name a few. The ambiance of the natural world is fleeting, momentary, and fully encapsulating. Witnessing these types of unrepeatable phenomena is really inspiring to me and I am especially interested in the tension between fabricated ambiance and its reference to nature. I aim to create this feeling in my work. I work primarily in installation and use light-sensitive materials that glow, shimmer and shine.

I am most proud of my installation called Sparkle Cave at Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station. It was 4 years in the making and one of the most incredible opportunities I’ve ever received to create a permanent installation to realize so many ideas I had. It was very challenges and very rewarding.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would definitely spend a couple of hours at the Botanic Gardens, one of my favorite places to steal away for a sit or a walk surrounded by beauty. I’d recommend checking out the City Park farmer’s market, and while you’re there, maybe catch a movie across the street at the Sie Center. If they have kids, the place I’m at the most often is the JCC pool. A hike in Golden Gate State Park, just 45 mins outside of Denver, offers terrific hiking and beautiful scenery. I would also definitely take them to Meow Wolf!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Being an artist can be tough sometimes. Without the encouragement from friends and the support of my family, it would be nearly impossible. My dad has been really invested in my work and always gives me great advice. As a creative person himself, he understands the toil that goes into creating and the particular satisfaction of having completed something terrific. My husband is incredibly supportive as well and I wouldn’t have as much time or space to work without his partnership.

Website: https://www.shayna.studio/

Instagram: s.h.a.y.n.a.c.o.h.n

Image Credits
Shayna Cohn is the photographer