046 Shawna Barnes - Healing Arts of Maine

Unable to hold employment or successfully retrain/go back to school; I dove head first into the art of pottery. I have found a great therapy in ceramics upon my discharge from the military. My love of the arts has only helped to propel me forward, allowing me to excel in this artistic medium. I have been transitioning into more sculptural work and am truly loving the new direction!

I am a retired (yes, at 32), disabled Iraqi war veteran. I served for nearly 4 years in the US Army as a combat medic. Right around my seventh month in Iraq, my health took a drastic turn; I began having seizures. It has been a downhill slide ever since with more health issues arising as time continues. While the doctors have not yet been able to nail down a diagnosis, I continue to strive and to push forward everyday with the love and support from family. No matter the situation encountered, I choose to always look for the silver linings, focusing on the negatives serves no purpose.

I am also the founder of a non-profit organization called Healing Arts of Maine. The therapeutic effects that I found in clay has led me to be quite passionate about being able to bring this simple method of healing to the greatest audience possible. I hope you take the time to follow the link and check out Healing Arts of Maine, and if so inclined to make a tax deductible donation through our financial sponsor, Fractured Atlas.