KANON SHAMBORA

Kanon Shambora is a multi-disciplinary artist born and raised in central Jersey. Her artistic journey began in childhood, fueled by a love of drawing, though much of her early years were shaped by her academic interests. In 2021, she received her Bachelor’s degree from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, double majoring in East Asian Studies and Studio Art (with a concentration in printmaking).

Following her graduation, Kanon worked in the exhibitions and publications department of Colby College’s museum, where she provided organizational, logistical, and administrative support for the planning and production of exhibitions, catalogues, and other special projects. Despite this valuable experience, Kanon soon realized that office work wasn’t her true calling, prompting her to return to New Jersey.

Back home, she embraced a hands-on role as a part-time teaching assistant for Artworks Trenton, where she conducted workshops on various printmaking techniques for both children and adults. She also had the opportunity to work on an art residency project for the Japanese-American organization Densho, creating a body of work titled Print Garden in response to their digital archives.

Kanon’s life took another transformative turn when a conversation with her boss at a Thai restaurant in Princeton led her to pursue a career in tattooing. Her boss, having bought tattoo equipment years earlier but realizing he couldn’t draw, gifted it all to her. Seeing this as a sign, Kanon sought out an apprenticeship at Orpheus Tattoo Studio, where she spent a year learning the craft. This apprenticeship solidified her passion for tattooing, and Orpheus Tattoo Studio has since become both her professional foundation and a second home.

Kanon’s work is a reflection of her diverse artistic background and her deep connection to both personal and cultural histories, blending traditional techniques with contemporary approaches across mediums.