Shan Koenig

Artist Statement

Getting lost in the creation of a watercolor painting is like winding my way down the rabbit hole, peeking into the looking glass or finding the path into my own secret garden. What a wonderful world!

It started in my childhood. Picture a classic mid-century home high in the foothills of Pasadena overlooking Los Angeles abundantly filled with paintings, ceramics, wood carvings and artifacts created and collected from near and far away places by my father, Howard Morgridge, FAIA. An award winning architect and artist, mentored by a number of renowned California watercolorist including Millard Sheets, [my father’s work was often exhibited at the Starry Sheets Gallery in Irvine, CA] he was the artist in the family. His work made a profound impact on me, and the entire family. Yes, throughout my life I have demonstrated creative expression as “a maker of things” - ceramics, stained glass, design and ‘rock art’ to name a few. Art history classes were included in my liberal arts curriculum at UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Long Beach. But it was not until after my father’s departure from this world that I picked up a paint brush in 2003.

My purpose is simple: to create pleasure. While there is always a plan for each piece, with watercolors, I sometimes feel like an unconscious project manager. Occasionally happy accidents influence my finished work that take me, and hopefully those viewing my work, to a place somewhere between reality and a place full of rich bold colors where the imagination can run wild. Enjoy!
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A native of Southern California, Shan and her husband Mike moved to the Seattle area in the late 1970’s. Their two boys, Ryan and Cort were raised in Kirkland, as was their daughter-in-law Johnna. Shan has worked as a Human Resource Executive throughout her career. Shan and Mike now live on Inglewood Golf Course in Kenmore. Shan’s art studio is adjacent to her home and is shared with the family’s yellow lab Casey. Shan is a member of the North West Watercolor Society. Her work can be enjoyed at Parklane Gallery in Kirkland, Washington.