Shawny Sheldon is an artist who is inspired by nature and quirky whimsical stuff. She forged a path for herself as a high school art teacher, and she has been teaching for twenty five years.  She is also the creator of Lily the Hedgehog. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/shawny In this episode, Shawny discusses: -Her poor eyesight as a child and how it affected her as an artist. -Some of her other early influences like her father, water, New York City, and the great masters. -The experience of going to California. -The decision she made when faced with the choice between the commercial route and teaching. -Her decision to forge forward with her goals, even when people told her that she couldn’t find a job as an art teacher. -The influence that teachers and professors have and why they shouldn’t be discouraging. -The fears that she had in starting her Instagram account and participating in Inktober. -Creating Lily the Hedghog, and how she became a symbol of strength. -Learning to let go of perfect. -Her creative relationship with her son. -Some of the most important messages she attempts to teach her students, not just about art, but about life. Shawny's Final Push will encourage you to find your bliss station – your space and time to do your artwork.   Quotes: “I was just set in my way that this was what I was going to do.  And I did it!” “If you are supposed to be doing something, you can feel it in your body.” “Teachers have great power.  And they can abuse it.” “When things don’t go right in your life, it’s actually a new opportunity for you to reinvent something or for you to be better at something.” “Perfectionism is not about being meticulous.  It’s about fear.” “You woke up in the morning.  You’re here.  You have a gift.  You have the gift of today.” Links mentioned: Inktober Keith Haring Connect with Shawny: Instagram   Join the discussion in the Facebook group!