The Art of Shawn

Shawn was an artist and that is how most knew and remember him.

He was born into a large family in Los Angeles, California, in 1928. He grew into his teens there, expressing a restlessness that often accompanies the gifted. With encouragement from teachers and parents Shawn transferred from L.A. High School to the L.A. County Art Institute. Shawn was subsequently drafted into the army and saw combat duty during the Korean War. After his tour of duty he spent a short while as a civilian and then re-enlisted in the army. He then attended the Army Language School in Monterey, California where he became proficient in the Chinese language. He was eventually stationed in peacetime Japan where his military career ended.

Shawn later attended the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles. He moved to San Francisco in 1958 and attended the San Francisco Art Institute. He spent the better part of 40 years in San Francisco perfecting his art. During this period he also traveled extensively to the Far East, Hong Kong, Eastern and Western Europe, the British Isles and Egypt.

Shawn had exhibits of his work in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. He was largely responsible for the decor, including tabletops, at Vesuvio in North Beach. His tables are also in other restaurants in San Francisco and in permanent exhibition in the Oakland Museum of California. Shawn worked in a variety of media, ranging from pen and ink in his early years to oils as well as collages. His subjects were eclectic ranging from figurative art, to a series on railroad stations, Paris, UFOs, and San Francisco.

That he was highly proficient and talented in his craft there is no doubt. That he left an exceptional body of work is beyond question. However, the greatest legacy left by Shawn is his humanity. He was well read, knowledgeable about music, an admirer and student of other artists, a teacher and mentor to others and a student of life. He befriended most of those he encountered and some were with him more than forty years. He loved and was loved by his family, and will be greatly missed by many.