The work of Shannan Lee Hayes

By day, she’s an instructor at Stony Brook University, but on weekends she’s the straw that stirs the drinks at Toast Coffehouse. I’ve been working alongside Shannan for a few months now and at first, it was a love-hate relationship. I loved her and she hated me. I was all obnoxious Southern charm and she wanted nothing to do with it. But the mutual contempt has given way to a grudging respect and I couldn’t be happier. I just think she is an amazing artist: not as much for her own work but her ability to communicate about art. I love listening to her and Rob, a fellow artist-waiter, discuss the world of art. Most of the time I have no idea what they are talking about, but sometimes, I pick up on what they are saying and several times, like when told me about P.S. 1, they have introduced me to an aspect of their world I was completely unfamiliar. If only I could just get to know Shannan a little better. You can view more of Shannan’s work by visiting shannanleehayes.com.