Shaw’s artistic influences are as eclectic as her work. She draws inspiration from the stark, cinematic quality of Edward Hopper’s paintings, the raw and expressive energy of Jean-Michel Basquiat, and the pop art collages of Richard Hamilton. However, one of the most significant influences on her work is Stanley Donwood, particularly his iconic album art for Radiohead. Donwood’s ability to evoke complex emotions and atmospheres through visual art resonates deeply with Shaw, and this influence is evident in her own explorations of mood and tone.
Her approach to digital collage is rooted in spontaneity and experimentation. Shaw often begins with preexisting images—photographs, digital textures, and other visual elements—and combines them in unexpected ways. The process is organic, with the final composition emerging as she layers and manipulates these elements. This method allows her to create pieces that feel both contemporary and nostalgic, often reminiscent of the early days of digital art in the 1990s and early 2000s.
One of Shaw’s recent works is a digital collage composed of various photographs taken in Central London. This piece is a vibrant tapestry that juxtaposes the city’s urban landscape with elements of nature, melding the ideas of progress and loss. It evokes a sense of place while also transporting the viewer into a semi-surreal world where the boundaries between the natural and the man-made blur. The work captures the feel of early digital art from the 1990s and early 2000s when it was a new and innovative concept. The influence of Stanley Donwood is particularly evident in this piece, with its layered textures and slightly distorted perspectives, echoing the aesthetic of Donwood’s work with Radiohead.
While digital collage is currently at the forefront of her practice, Shaw is not confined to one medium. She is actively honing her skills in character design, exploring the possibilities of three-dimensional art through sculpting. This interest in character design is an extension of her collage work, as she continues to play with form and narrative, creating characters and scenes that exist in a world of her making.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Shaw is also an animal lover, taking care of three dogs back home. This aspect of her life provides a grounding counterbalance to her creative work, offering her moments of calm and connection with nature, which inevitably influence her art. The presence of animals and natural elements in her work speaks to this connection, providing a subtle commentary on the relationship between humans and the environment in urban spaces.
Shaw’s work is a testament to the power of experimentation and the value of drawing from diverse influences. Her digital collages, with their rich textures and layered meanings, invite viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels.
In a world where digital art is becoming increasingly ubiquitous, Shaw manages to carve out a unique space for herself. Her work is not just a product of digital tools but a thoughtful exploration of how these tools can be used to create something that resonates on an emotional and intellectual level.
Ciara Shaw’s journey is a reminder that art is as much about the process as it is about the final product. Her work, characterized by its spontaneity, depth, and connection to both the past and the present, offers a fresh perspective on digital art. As she continues to push the boundaries of her practice, there is no doubt that Shaw’s work will continue to captivate and inspire.
