Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawning McGinnis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Dawning was born in Tillamook Oregon, but lived in the small neighboring town called Cloverdale. Her family soon separated and gave her the opportunity to live what she likes to call a “split life.” Part of her life was spent on the road with her dad, and the other part of her life was spent living with her mom and step family in SW Portland. Her life in Portland gave her the freedom to be her own person, which was fostered with help from her mom. Her mom encouraged her artistic endeavors by involving her in any activities her family could afford, and her mom also continuously brought home art supplies from garage sales.
When Dawning wasn’t with her family in Portland, she was having adventures with her dad in their 1968 GMC industrial laundry van that they converted into a camper. Dawning and her dad chased the best surf, took every dirt road they could find, and lived in Hot Spring communes.
Dawning was fortunate to have hands on experience with artist mentors from birth. Not only was her mom an opera singer, costume designer and seamstress, crafter, and woodworker, her uncle is a professional artist and viola player. Dawning cherishes her time spent going to the symphony to watch her uncle play, and how her family always found time to take her to museums, exhibits, and galleries.
Dawning’s early art career was filled with public art, artist residencies, and many art shows. In 2015 Dawning started her business, Dawning’s Art, where she sells her original pieces, but also has made her art accessible in a modern way through apparel, stickers, and prints. Dawning’s Art is also where people can access her unique art experiences.
Now, Dawning’s Art is well known for unparalleled artistic fun on the Oregon Coast! Where adults get to let loose and explore their creative side through painting, sand raking, and other creative experiences.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every road has a few bumps along the way. Dawning has spent her life struggling to keep a roof over her Dad’s head, as he has been unhoused since she was a young child. Finding one’s way as an Artist can have it’s challenges too. Dawning wasn’t sure if she had chosen the right path, while struggling to succeed and working in bars, restaurants, and at wineries for many years to support her dream and her family. Being an Artist is a lot of work, and there is no rest for the weary. Every day Dawning feels she needs to create something new, introduce a new art experience options, and continue to spread the word about all that she has to offer in order to follow her dreams. All of that in addition to running every facet of her business – from package preparing and shipping, to web design and book keeping.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dawning is a true creative. She has experience with ceramics, drawing, painting, welding, wood working, and so much more. Her passions are found in her murals, her sand raking, and the joy she brings to those she teaches.
Even the smallest of Dawning’s murals has so much attention to detail, and shows both her mastery of her craft and her love of her work.
Sand raking is probably her most unique art expression, primarily because of the rarity of the art form. She especially loves it because it combines her love of movement with ephemeral art that is washed away by the ocean just a few hours after creation. Dawning has been teaching water exercise and dance since she was a teen, and loves to move while creating.
What sets Dawning apart from other artist the most is her performative nature mixed with the inclusive learning environment that she creates at every one of her events. Dawning can connect on a personal level with every person at a large event and it truly is inspiring.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Dawning goes out of her way to help others. She uses her art to raise money for local programs and charities, she is always happy to barter, and she offers free community projects/events every year. Dawning also has a group called Dawning’s Art Army – they spread art and make food for the unhoused.
Maybe that’s not that surprising….
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dawningsart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawningsart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawningsart
