Shawn graduated from University of Massachusetts—Amherst studying Printmaking and Graphic Design. In Boston, working as a graphic designer she renewed her interest in metal working at the Museum school, eventually attending Rhode Island School of Design where she received an MFA in Jewelry and Light Metals. Shawn considers herself a lifetime student continuing to improve her skills and craft by taking classes at MetalWerx, Visarts and Penland School of Art and Crafts. She has taught at Rhode Island School of Design, Virginia Commonwealth University—Qatar and currently at VisArts.

Shawn’s current work draws on her discoveries and observations from nature, combining realistic and abstract forms, cast and fabricated, into individual compositions. These pieces are one-of-a- kind, limited edition or production.