Maggie Shannon

How did you get into making art?

I don’t really remember a specific moment, I just feel like I was always encouraged to make art! My parents were incredibly supportive and I was lucky enough to have some amazing art teachers in elementary school and high school as well. I think it was my curiosity though! I can blame a lot of things on that.

What are you currently working on?

I have a few different things that I’m exploring at the moment. I recently worked on a personal project that had me on the road traveling to different county fairs in the West photographing pie eating contests. I met so many incredible people along the way and want to share their stories, ranging from 4-H kids to Wyoming race car drivers. I’m also hoping to expand my midwife story outside of Los Angeles, with a focus on rural healthcare.

What inspired you to get started on this body of work?

This series started from a conversation I was having with a close friend who’s a doula, Paige Schwimer. She mentioned that there could be a rise in home births in the United States due to the pandemic. This piqued my interest so I started reaching out to midwives across the country and found out she was right.

Do you work on distinct projects or do you take a broader approach to your practice?

I tend to work on distinct projects but there’s usually a broader, over arching theme to a lot of them depending on what I’m feeling passionate or curious about at the time. A lot of my work tends to be about something personal from my own life as well. For Extreme Pain, I was interested in finding out what it was like to give birth during a pandemic, but I’m also hoping to be a mother myself some day and I wanted to learn more!

What’s a typical day like in your studio?

A typical day at my studio can vary as I also work as a freelance editorial and commerical photographer, and also travel for work now that things are returning to normal. I usually have a coffee and try to tackle emails and then go down the to do list. Hopefully there’s a fun assignment or shoot that allows me to stretch my creative muscles.

Who are your favorite artists?

Lora Webb Nichols

Where do you go to discover new artists?

I discover a lot of new artists through Instagram but I’m trying not to rely on that platform as much. I think through word of mouth and my community. I’m in a few different group chats with other photographers and we’re always sharing what’s inspiring us. I’ve found some incredible and inspiring new work that way!