Conversations with Marrowbone
Shannen Vonmunster
@vonmunster
From Fashion and Art to Mental Health and living with Chronic Endometriosis Marrowbone talks with Coffee Lover & Social Media Expert Shannen Vonmunster about what influences her style and the fabulous colour Pink!
How would you describe your personal style?
I’ve been interested in alternative subcultures and heavy music since I was 11, but my favourite colour has always been pink. My style has evolved over the years into a delightful mish-mash of dark, functional, and comfortable, peppered with a bit of sparkle. If it’s not black, it’s pink.
What are three wardrobe essentials you can’t live without?
A black a-line skirt, a belt with a chain, and a bag that fits all the shit I need - which may or may not include biscuit crumbs.
You openly share your experience with Endometriosis on social. What has having a platform to share your story meant for you?
Endometriosis and pelvic pain are incredibly personal illnesses and often there’s a lot of embarrassment - and even shame - that stops people from talking about it. The journey to diagnosis and treatment is very long, very difficult, and very isolating. By being as open and candid about my experiences with these diseases I’ve been able to connect and forge a sense of community with so many people who have lived the same hell. It’s hugely validating for me to know that I’m not alone in this and that my pain is very much real, and all I ever want is for others to know that they aren’t alone either. If they aren’t ready to talk, I’ll yell twice as loud for them.
Where do you draw inspiration for your illustrations from?
It sounds cliché, but everywhere! Music, visual media, folklore, and everything in between. I make art because I love it and because it’s fun, I’ll stop doing it when it stops bringing me joy - but I’ve been going strong for 30 years now so I don’t think that’ll happen any time soon.
What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
So much! I’m seeing Blink 182 with my best friend and it’s going to be magic, they’re the reason we became friends way back in grade 7. I’m also planning a holiday to Darwin with my partner in June, and I’m very excited to show him where I grew up.
Do you have any daily rituals?
I’m a creature of habit. As soon as I get up I take my meds, do my skincare, hit the Nespresso machine with the force of a thousand suns, and only then do I start to feel semi-human.
Any advice for aspiring influencers?
I fell into this line of work very much by accident; I’ve been chronically online since 2005 but I never dreamed I’d be at this point. It’s so important to be authentic, the minute you start making content purely based on what you think will get you more views is when you need to put the f*&#ing phone down. Make shit that makes you happy, that makes you proud, but most importantly shows your own perspective. Just like drawing I do this because it’s fun, and the minute it stops being fun? I’m f*#n’ done.
