Check out Monica Adalsteinsson’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Adalsteinsson.

Monica, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I saw a gorgeous photo of an adoptable dog on Facebook. I thought to myself, this dog looks perfect and so cute, I’m sure he’ll be adopted quick. For 6 months I kept seeing this photo pop up in my feed, and after 6 months I decided it was time that I met him. Of course, I fell in love, that was 4 years ago. One photo changed my life, and this dog’s life. My dog’s photo inspired me to pick up photography again and put my camera to good use for shelter dogs. I know that one great photo can change a dog’s life, and possibly many lives.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I photograph dogs. Specifically shelter dogs. I also occasionally do end of life photo sessions for senior dogs. I pack my portable backdrop to the county shelter and set up in the parking lot. I usually show up with a bag of tutus, bow ties, and flowery headbands. I always invite my friends along, I couldn’t do this without the help of my friends. I hope that people see the photo of the dog that I took and feel compelled to visit the shelter, maybe adopter or foster that dog, or feel inspired to volunteer.

What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
For me, success is capturing the dog’s personality with my camera. Success is having a dog find a home because of a great photo. Success is having a client reach out to me after their portrait session telling me they’re in tears looking at their photos. To confine a successful artist by quality or characteristics diminishes the exploration process of the artist. It’s all about a feeling, follow what makes you happy, what drives you, and you’ll find yourself in your art.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My work will be featured for the month of September at Nami; 100% of the sales from the prints will be donated to One Love Pit Bull Foundation. I am also the featured artist for the Imagine Event fundraiser coming up on October 27h at the Wrigley Mansion. I also do portrait sessions open to the public to raise funds for the shelter dogs.
I post my photos pretty regularly on my Instagram at monicawaynephotography.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.monicawayne.com
• Email: monicawaynephotography@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicawaynephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monicawaynephotography/

Image Credit:
Photo of myself taken by Kekoaaukai Mikah
All other photos belong to me.

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