Meet Shannon Moore, the artist behind Moonset!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hi! My name is Shannon and I’m the artist behind Moonset. I work primarily with wood and resin to create joyful wall hangings and wearables. I live in Louisville, KY but I’m originally from Illinois and lived in Michigan for several years before coming to Kentucky. I joke that I’m on a tour of the Midwest. When I’m not creating, I love hiking with my husband and our dog, gardening, cooking, and trying out new crafts and mediums.

What drew you to your craft?

Honestly, a series of happy accidents. A few years ago, I left a career that was fulfilling in some ways, but very traumatic in others. After a bit of an identity crisis, I decided to go to graphic design school. I had always enjoyed creating and I just wanted to try something that might make me happy. I loved it immediately. As soon as I felt like I had hit a good stride, 2020 happened. When my classes moved to online-only, I made the decision to drop out. I couldn’t focus at home; I was so anxious about the state of the world.

One day, I saw a sponsored Instagram post advertising a laser cutter and it sparked something in me. It felt like a fast-zoom effect in a movie. I had to have it. The classes that I had taken in school translated really well to laser work and I continue to love it to this day. The last few years have been a journey of trying to build upon my skills and implementing new mediums and techniques to my craft.

What is your favorite thing you have ever made?

I’m really proud of my “Dusk In The Pollinator Garden” wall hangings. I designed it in winter during a time when I was particularly missing summer evenings in my garden. It’s the most intricate design that I’ve ever successfully made with my current mediums and I’m so happy with how it turned out.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

It was a running joke in my family that I had a new dream job every week. I loved learning new things and really fixated on whatever the flavor of the week was. For a while I wanted to be a forensic scientist (blame CSI and Bones for that one), then it was an English teacher, then it was an art therapist, and then it was a contortionist in the circus. I never grew out of that constant exploration. I used to feel embarrassed that I went through so many phases and couldn’t commit to anything, even from a young age. Now I think it’s a very valuable trait that I have. I’m always inspired by new things so I usually have lots of ideas to bring to my business!

How would you describe your creative process?

I’d consider it very fluid. I’ve learned that fighting myself does a lot more harm than good, so I try to remain flexible and check in with myself often. Some days I’m feeling really inspired, so I’ll design and draw and experiment. On other days, I want to shut my brain off and focus on the humdrum parts of my job - assembling pieces and packaging and things of that nature. If I’m in a rut, I try to do non-creative things that I love like hiking or antiquing. Anything that gets me outside of myself. I’ve found that riding the wave of my process is important for me.

What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago?

I think I would just assure myself that everything is going to work out in the end. Truthfully, 18-year-old Shannon probably wouldn’t have listened to any advice anyway - I was very stubborn! I went through some hard times as a young adult and whereas I wouldn’t say I’m “thankful” for those hard times, I would say that they shaped who I am now.

Why is it important to support local artists and makers?

I once heard someone say that artists are the heart of a community, and I love that sentiment. Artists and creators put their soul into their work and I think it’s important to celebrate the beauty that they bring to our lives. Economically, it’s shown that spending money at local businesses keeps that money local for longer, which serves to benefit communities. It’s truly a win-win-win situation when you support local artists.

Why do you love doing what you do?

I deeply cherish connecting with customers and other creatives. I love that my wall hangings bring joy to people - that’s so wild to me! The world can feel so heavy and being able to bring a small amount of levity through my art is very special. I also value the physical freedom that being an artist affords me. I struggle with my mental and physical health, sometimes pretty substantially. Working a job with a traditional schedule was always difficult for me. Being able to work hard when I have the energy and take it easy when I’m having a hard time is a privilege that I don’t take for granted.

What advice do you have for other makers who want to start their own business?

Don’t undervalue your work! If you’re hoping to monetize something you’re passionate about, it’s so important not to burn out. In my experience, making sure that you’re being compensated fairly for your work is a huge way to avoid burning out.

You can find Shannon’s beautiful wall and window hangings in the shop!