Artist: Shannon McDonald

With every year that passes, my connection to Chatham deepens. I am inspired by the light, the tides and the textures of the shoreline. They shape not only my work, but how I see the world.

This year’s whale continues my exploration of Chatham’s quiet beauty. One side showcases gilded waves, rendered in silver and gold leaf. The leafing echoes the shimmers of light on the water and the steady rhythm of the ocean. The other side displays a pattern of oysters, clams, and scallop shells. They are symbols of abundance and nourishment.  

This piece pays homage to that meeting point: the constancy of the waves and the delicate treasures they leave behind.

Biography

Shannon McDonald is a local artist and the founder of Tideland, a coastal-inspired art and design studio. A Chatham resident, Shannon draws inspiration from the Cape’s natural beauty and maritime spirit. Her work has been exhibited and sold nationally and internationally and has been featured in publications such as Arty Pants Magazine, The Boston Globe and Bust Magazine. You can explore more of her work at tidelandstudio.com