So what does a cattle veterinarian do?

I consider myself a very lucky person. I get to combine several of my passions into a rather *unique* career. I can be a "doctor for cows" and a jewelry artist (all in the same day sometimes)! I do think about getting pictures of myself working while on the farms, but it just isn't a priority. My patients and clients deserve my full attention and quite frankly, it's just too busy sometimes to get some pictures.

Today I'm posting a link to a video by my twitter friend, Barbara Martin (@dairygoddess), who managed to get a great video of their dairy farm veterinarian doing an abdominal surgery on one of their cows. The surgery he is doing is to correct a displaced (in the wrong spot) abomasum (last compartment of the cow's stomach). This is a "common" surgery and I personally have done probably over 500 in my career. While it's not me in the video, it certainly represents what I do. (Just imagine someone shorter, longer hair, and no accent doing the surgery -- wink)

This video is from her blog post "Veterinarians Take Great Care of Our Cows on Our Dairy Farm."

A conversation with Shannon Grissom: Part 12

What else do you do besides your art?

For work? Lots!

I produce and host an instructional television series called "Give Your Walls Some Soul". (Think Bob Ross meets Emeril) It's in about 10 million cable households across the country.

I'm also in pre-production for a new television show where I find people who don't realize they are creative and teach them to go for it!

I write and sing my own music. I'm working on a CD and expect to complete it this year.

I'm working on a new novel, inspired by my own paintings.

And a few years back I wrote a picture book, Monkey Made of Sockies. The main character has now been licensed in to a line of golf club headcovers that are sold globally. We are giving a percentage of the profits to help kids with Prader-Willi Syndrome.


For play?

I love to go for walks/hikes in nature. I love to read just for pleasure.

Picture credit: "Happy Cows ver. 4"

Click here to see this image on greeting cards or a ceramic mug

Friday's article of interest to art enthusiasts: HOW TO START AN ART COLLECTION

Starting an art collection can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. The article, "Easy Steps to Start an Art Collection," is a great resource for any beginner. It gives advice on art education, selection and budgeting. Article author, Sylvia White, is an artist career consultant from California. She also has her own art gallery, also in southern California.

A conversation with Shannon Grissom: Part 11

What advice to you have for aspiring painters?

I think it was Julia Cameron who said it best.."Dreams don't die, people do." It's so important to make time to go for it. Don't let life get in they way. My creative time is sacred.

Picture credit: "Happy Cows ver. 1"

Click here to see this image on a ceramic mug, greeting cards, or porcelain ornament

Shannon Grissom: Video montage

Enjoy a video of more of Shannon's cattle and rodeo paintings, even some not on Cow Art and More.

A conversation with Shannon Grissom: Part 10

Do you ever have goof ups or work you don’t like?

I'm laughing... I sure do. Sometimes I paint over them and sometimes they go in the John Smith collection. (Our local landfill.)

Photo credit: "Marie", oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this beef cattle oil painting

Monday's agriculture website of interest: ADVOCATES FOR AGRICULTURE

Today's agriculture website of interest to share with readers is maintained by Troy Hadrick, a beef rancher from South Dakota. His blog, "Advocates for Agriculture," chronicles his life as a fifth generation rancher while also explaining to consumers how their food is produced. Take notice, however, Troy's blog is not for the faint of heart. He doesn't pull any punches when explaining the myths surrounding agriculture and certainly takes great pride explaining the issues farming faces. You can also find his videos on You Tube on the Advocates for Ag channel.