Dana Lise Shavin
I am originally from Atlanta, but after graduate school (MS clinical psychology, 1986) I moved to the north Georgia mountains where I live with my husband, photographer Daryl Thetford, and our three dogs, Shark, Bella, and Brie.

My art career began in 1993 when I resolved to make some important changes in my life.  I left my job as a psychological examiner, quit an eighteen year smoking habit, rekindled a love of painting, and started writing for a local arts and entertainment newspaper. Very quickly I began applying to art shows and submitting essays and columns to literary journals, magazines, and newspapers.

Today I make my living as a full time artist. I sell through galleries, art shows (see show  schedule), and do commission work (dog and people portraits). In addition I am a columnist for the Chattanooga Times Free Press newspaper, and my essays have appeared in a variety of magazines and journals including  The Sun, Alaska Quarterly Review, Fourth Genre, Third Coast, Skirt Magazine, and other publications (see "The Writing Life").

My studio is at 14 1/2 Frazier Ave. in North Chattanooga, and while I am always happy to have visitors, it is best to call first (423)240-4284. I am also always happy to discuss a painting, a portrait, or a potential writing assignment. You can email me at danalise@juno.com.

Listen to an interview with Dana and Daryl