My work as an abstract artist is heavily inspired by my late mother’s patchwork quilts and embroidery. I paint with harmonious blocks of bright colours, layered and arranged in abstract compositions to symbolize ideas, emotions, memories and dreams. My paintings allow viewers of all ages to interpret and establish their own personal connections in response to the imagery that they see. I normally work spontaneously and intuitively, but with this project, my goal was to include the Old Man River, the coulees and parts of the historic neighbourhood. In my painting process, I am drawn to bright colours, allowing my artwork to elicit positive thoughts and feelings. Although I am not from here, I sometimes feel like I have dreamt of this place before, and these feelings of familiarity often keep homesickness at bay. With its vibrant energy, this work reflects my appreciation and love for Lethbridge.
Sheila Shaw is a Cree Metis artist from Gift Lake Metis Settlement and is currently based in Lethbridge, Alberta. She graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2019 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Native American Art Studio. Her preferred mediums are acrylic or watercolour paint on canvas, paper or board, symbolically rendered with geometric abstraction.
Vinyl wrap on security roll shutters – pilot project
Find it at Fee Simple Law – 319 4 St S
49.694864886500085, -112.8416224021417
