The grandaugther of Paddy Japaljirri Sims and Bessie Nakamarra Sims, two artist founders of the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, an aboriginal art center located in Yuendumu. She started painting when she was 14 years old and she paints besides the members of the art center since 2002. She paints the stories told by her grandfather Jukurrpa, mostly dreams that are directly related with their native land, its flora and fauna. Shanna uses an unlimited color palette, elaborated according to ancient tradition, while developing a modern interpretation of her traditional culture.