Shannon Maltbie-Davis

Shannon Maltbie-Davis is a visual artist based in Basehor, Kansas. She received a BFA in Graphic Design and an MFA in Visual Communications from Kansas State University. She has worked as a graphic designer at The Coleman Company, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Friends University, and Communications Program Director at Friends University.

After leaving the workforce to raise her sons, she returned to her love of art by earning a BFA in Photography at the University of Kansas. As a photographer, her artwork includes images of her children and surroundings, self-portraiture, and documentation of her experiences with auto-immune issues.

Shannon’s artwork is not created with AI. To capture a moment in time, describe a condition, or illustrate emotions and feelings, she edits her photographs in Adobe Bridge and combines the digital files in Adobe Photoshop -- using adjustment layers and blending modes -- to produce a single composite image.

The self-portraits, from my Depository Series, are a direct reflection of my internal condition. The ideas I choose to visually illustrate are based on personal reflection. The culmination of deep introspection on the person I think I am and the person I want to become. Photography becomes a form of self-healing. The images produced are a vessel to hold my thoughts, emotions, and feelings -- a physical space to discard the weaker portions of myself as I continually strive to evolve into a better person.

Flaws, Digital Composite Photography, 18.556 inches high x 12.375 inches wide, 2021

Gilded. Digital Composite Photography, 18.556 inches high x 12.375 inches wide, 2021

Marked, Digital Composite Photography, 12.375 inches high x 18.556 inches wide, 2021

“But my darling, you being different was your strength all along.” by N.R. Hart has inspired me to accept myself as I am and showcase what makes me unique.