Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Shaw.
Erin Shaw began her artistic career as a mural painter and portrait artist, in and around the Boston area. In search for more, she embraced life in NYC, where she naturally tumbled into the creative side of the fashion world. After styling photoshoots and celebs like Gwen Stefani, Erin began to show more of her original work in front of the camera. Catching the eyes of stylists and performers, Erin’s work has been published in Marie Claire Magazine, Nylon Magazine and Rolling Stone, with recognition in New York fashion week, 2013.
Shaw holds a degree in three-dimensional fibers, from Massachusetts College of Art & Design. With prior studies in clothing construction at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY & Painting at The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University. Erin draws inspiration from her surroundings, while her affinity to animals and nature lend a story to every sketch. Erin’s illustrations are reminiscent and fairytale-like, often capturing the sensitivity of her subject matter. She prefers ink on paper or drawing directly onto wood, giving the lines a raw honesty from pen to paper.
Shaw has been exhibiting her illustrations and sculptures faithfully in Boston, New York and Philadelphia for the last decade, and she was recently voted Scout Magazine’s “Best Visual Artist, 2016”.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My work is multidisciplinary which simply means that I work in many mediums. I make wearable sculptures or sculptural wears. My current body of work is a collection of hand-carved wooden rings made with the intention to use organic materials that echo an inherent lineage.
“I favor found materials that I find in nature, often along the seashore & on walks with my pup. I have an affinity to fallen bark, antler like limbs from trees, stray stones and weathered wood. Each piece tends to take on a more sacred form when it’s transformed into an object. Material has always contributed to the function, cultural value, and that special glimmer of personal history into each of my designs.”
Each piece whether it be wearable-sculpture or a hand carved wooden jewel, all begin with an illustration. I prefer using ink on paper or drawing directly onto wood, giving honesty and rawness to the lines. My subject matter has always been naturally drawn to nature, bringing animal emotions to the surface with a satirical, personified undertone. I leave the play between the materials and subject matter open to interpretation, inviting audiences to reflect on the emotional depth of animals and our environment.
How do you cope with the loneliness of being an artist and what advice do you have for other artists in the area?
This is very true and can often feel like you’re part of an “outsiders” epidemic. Which I can personally say, that I have always felt like an outsider. The beautiful part is when you find like-minded, mindful people to share inspirational thoughts and commiserate on all those lonely and beautiful self-reflecting moments. So true, that your vibe attracts your tribe!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.EShawDesigns.com
- Email: Erin@EShawDesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seeshaw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinshawfiberart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/eeeshaw
Image Credit:
Photo with flowers on face, shot by: Heather McGrath
All other by: Erin Shaw
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
