About Me
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About me:
In my early years as an artist, I spent far too much time trying to create what I thought others wanted to see. Now, I have learned to create with an intention that honors who I am as a person. I am an African-American Queer Woman, living in one of the most conservative states in the country. When I feel too afraid to speak my truth, my art serves as a visual representation of the things that I carry in my heart.
My art is loud and large, unapologetic and and unrefined. I create, in order to take up space, and represent others like me. I believe that art is more than a creative outlet. It is a form of activism. Being an artist is a tool. I approach art as a way to visually tell a story. If I can succeed in capturing your attention, my hope is that it will cause you to stop and think, then learn and do.
As an artist, I am always on a journey of discovery. I am constantly seeking out materials that challenge me and push me to think outside of the box. I use anything from acrylics, to ceramics, to photography to create and express myself. I love incorporating textures, found objects, 3D elements and using unconventional surfaces to bring a work of art to life.
Say Hey!
info@essieshaw.com 385-200-1214
Upcoming
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February 2023: Solo Showcase ● Stay tuned for details
February 2023: Black History Month Art Showcase. Urban Arts Gallery ● Curator.
Past
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August 2022: “Captivate: Photography Showcase” ● Urban Arts Gallery ● Participating Artist.
February 2022: “The Beat Of Our Blood” Black History Month Art Showcase. Urban Arts Gallery ● Curator.
January 2022: “Sonder” ● Urban Arts Gallery ● Curator.
October 2021: "Spirit in Disguise” (October 5 - 31), guest curated by Vincent Mattina. ● Urban Arts Gallery ● Participating Artist.
August 13 2021 - September 10 2021: Debuting new pieces and exhibiting “The Black Faces Project” at the Sugarhouse Art Walk ● Got Beauty and Upwall Design ● Solo Exhibit.
June 2021 - July 2021: “The Black Faces Project” ● Tea Zaanti ● Solo Exhibit.
June 2021: SLC Queer” in June ● Urban Arts Gallery ● Participating Artist.
October 2020 ● “LOUD!” ● Urban Arts Gallery ● Curator and Participating Artist.
June 2020: SLC Queer” in June ● Urban Arts Gallery ● Participating Artist.
January 2020 - April 2020: Xochi Kalli Community Art Collective ● Co-founder and Co-owner.
June 2019: Adobe Juneteenth Art Showcase ● Adobe - Lehi ● Participating Artist.
February 2019: A Burlesque Affair to benefit Planned Parenthood of Utah● Organizer, Co-host and Photographer.
Mentions
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“Here’s why artist Essie Shaw is the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC advocate we need” - Got Beauty and Upwall Design, August 5 2021
“Local artist uses her art as a creative tool for activism” - ABC-4 Good Things Utah, June 23 2021
“Artist-activist Essie Shaw's Black Faces Project, SLC Queer” - KRCL’s Radioactive, June 16, 2021
“Spotlight on grassroots activists, featuring: Essie Shaw and Dirk Thomas, co-chairs of the LGBT Committee - Black Lives Matter Utah.” - KRCL’s Radioactive June 20, 2020
“Pride for Black Lives Matter: A Celebration of Intersectionality” - June 15, 2020 by Ivana Martinez and Natalie Colby
“Thousands gather in Salt Lake City for joint Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ rights rally” - June 14, 2020 by Alex Vejar
“Former dance studio on Main Street transformed into community art space” - April 23, 2020 by Sarah Morton Taggart
