Courtesy of Shannon Laws
In the Spotlight
Exploring the Human Condition Through Art WRITTEN BY KATE GALAMBOS
B
ellingham has its artistic success stories (Death Cab for Cutie, comedian Ryan Stiles), but it also has its grassroots luminaries. Author, poet, and radio producer Shannon Laws is one. She has the privilege of not only being one of many talented Bellingham artists, but possesses a passion for supporting the local art community. Since beginning her writing career in 2009, she has expanded her reach to radio and community art installation. Laws has always wanted to be an author. At just 12, she announced to her mother that one day she would be. “I’m sure that statement made her smile. I had poor grammar and spelling skills,” Laws said. Years later, Laws began writing poetry after finding herself in a dark time of life. While living on San Juan Island, she was intrigued by a writing class offered by Pacific Northwest author Susan Wingate. “That class changed the direction of my creative life and gave me hope.” In June, Laws released her third book of poetry, “Fallen.” The collection explores loss, heartache, and quiet eroticism. Draped in dark humor and metaphor, the writing is a middle-oflife work that aims to “ask questions about a dark past, finding truth in the
LIFESTYLE
now, while (being) confident about how it all ends.” The book was a community effort, edited and published by Bellingham residents. Laws said she hopes readers find solace in the familiarity of the poetry. Grief is never felt the same, but her collection aims to lead readers through the process of loss. “I’m saying to the reader, ‘Come join me while I wallow around in my mottled life. We’re all a bit muddy. Let’s take that mud, cook it in the sun, and build a home together.” Loss is never a clean endeavor, and that is all right. Beyond her writing, Laws produces the award-winning radio show, Bellingham Art Beat, which airs on Make.Shift Radio (KZAX LP-FM 94.9) and online at KPNW-DB. In March, the weekly program has been awarded the 38th Annual Mayor’s Art Award for its advocacy for local artists. It covers the art scene with live interviews and music. Laws draws much of her inspiration from the radio show. Each interview brings to light the awesomeness of the human experience. “I fall in love with everyone I interview,” Laws said. While each experience differs, we are all part of human existence. Our experiences are as unique as our fingerprints, she said. Laws is driven by inspiring stories of survival from all dimensions, big and small. Laws also has had the opportunity to be a part of an unusual revival project. All over the country, phone booths have become dilapidated, seemingly pointless structures once the phones are removed. Working in partnership with artist Christen Mattix, and poet Summer Starr, the team refurbished a phone booth to beautifully house poetry. The Poem Booth can be spotted outside the downtown Community Co-op on North Forest Street. Today, the booth stands as a bright, clean, and inspiring art installation, hosting a new poem on a quarterly basis. Poems can be submitted to poemboothbham@gmail.com. Winners receive $25 cash and a $25 gift certificate to the Community Co-op.
APPS WE L VE Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines, Inc. Why did the chicken cross the road? Because it didn’t know it could just as easily book a flight somewhere else with the tap of a few buttons on this app! That’s right, the Alaska Airlines app allows you to book a flight conveniently from your phone. You can also review your flight itinerary, access early flight check-in, change your seat, and use your phone as your boarding pass.
Allegiant Allegiant Travel Company Similar to the Alaska Airlines app, Allegiant allows for users of the app to book flights and check into their flights wherever they may be. Making travel easier for customers, Allegiant allows its users to access their boarding pass via the app and to switch their seat selection. It looks like a trip to BLI may be in your cards soon!
Pigment — Adult Coloring Book Pixite LLC Do you ever find yourself stressed out when you’re supposed to be relaxing on vacation? Try the Pigment app, meant to help its users relax by turning their phone into a portable coloring book. Make colors come to life on your screen through elaborate designs and images that you can easily share once finished.
Adobe Photoshop Sketch Adobe If creating the design is more what you’re into, this app is for you. Create unique pieces of art from your phone, tablet, or other capable device. Users choose from multiple brush settings to design a piece they like. Download before your next trip to tackle in-flight restlessness, one stroke at a time.
shannonplawswriter.com
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