About Me

My name is Shanda Louis and I live in Waukesha, Wisconsin with my husband, 3 kids, 2 bunnies, 2 cats, 1 dog, and 6 chickens.

Alchemy Artisan Works, is all about transformation; from the way the raw materials I work with are transformed when creating a work of art, to the way the viewer is transformed as he or she experiences that work of art. 

From the moment a pencil was put in my hand, as a very small child, I fell in love with drawing. From then on, I became an intrepid explorer of all things creative. You will often hear people who know me well say, "Pick a lane, girl". I can't deny it, I cannot, lol! When it comes to my creative nature, I am driven by the need to experience a thing once it captures my attention.

While I admire the artists who find their "voice", and you know their work the moment you see it, to settle on perfecting one single style, medium or field, would be to deny my very nature, and be the death of me! Over the years I have explored sewing Elizabethan court attire, drawing & painting with watercolor, pencil & pastels, acrylic & oil, and alcohol ink, photography, gardening (yes,
it's an art form), interior faux finish painting, artistically altered
furniture, epoxy resin finishes & art pieces, fabric dying, and a 35+ year career in hair and nail artistry.

I am inspired most by the lines, light & shadows, textures, and colors in nature, in man made architecture, and even those things in the faces of people. The fluid and unpredictable nature of
working with alcohol inks, watercolors, epoxy resin and dyes seems best to capture the qualities I love most in these things; that perfect imperfection. My personal favorite pieces are the happy accidents that occur unexpectedly, when I stop working from a preconceived idea, and allow the colors and images to emerge and reveal themselves to me, intuitively!​

The creative process for me is the ultimate form of meditation. Getting lost in the act of creation is where I find the most sublime moments of peace, and freedom from the illusions of everyday life. It's my direct line to Zen! It is my firm belief that exercising creative expression (without criticism or judgment) is as essential to a full life as nourishing your body with food, water, and physical activity is.

I welcome you to explore my virtual studio here on the web, where you'll find look books filled with my works (past and in-progress), information about upcoming shows, and play dates for classes & workshops in the "imagine-area", at the studio. If you're in Waukesha, please come visit me at my studio, Alchemy Artisan Works, at 431 North St., Waukesha, WI, 53188. I'd love to meet you! I just ask that you contact me in advance to be sure I can accommodate you, as I work by appointment.

If you are so moved to purchase one or more of my works, you'll find lots of wonderful ways to do so, including home goods and wearable art, as well as traditional prints in various formats. I also offer the option to purchase my original works, as well.​ Have a look around. I hope you enjoy your time here, and if you are so moved to make a purchase, I would be honored to know one of my creations is making it’s way to a happy home!

Please be sure to visit & follow me on Facebook and Instagram,
too!

Cheers!