Sarah E Shaw

(Ses)

I'm Sarah Emily Shaw (Ses), a self-taught artist based in South-East London. My work spans painting, drawing, photography, and alternative photographic techniques. I blend abstraction and figuration to express narratives and emotions that are often complex and deeply personal.

I started creating art in 2016 as a way to process low moods and manage my struggles with depression and anxiety. What began as a therapeutic escape has grown into something much more. For me, making art is a way to communicate emotions and connect with the world on a deeper level. My early work focused on graphic portraits, but over time, it has evolved into abstract forms, particularly in my exploration of ‘mindscapes’, a series of fluid compositions that merge elements of nature, anatomy, and architecture.

The natural world is a constant source of inspiration for me, whether it's the stormy skies, sunsets, or the rippling of water. Combining these elements with the imagined landscapes in my mind drives my artistic practice. I’m drawn to vibrant, emotive colours, and I let my emotions and memories guide the marks and lines in my work, always striving to find balance.

Before I fully immersed myself in art, I worked for many years as a makeup artist, which gave me insight into how beauty standards can shape our insecurities. Now I repurpose old makeup in my art, using alternative photography techniques to create new, abstract compositions. This approach allows me to recycle materials that would otherwise end up in landfill, while also challenging conventional ideas of beauty. Creating art on photographic paper in the in near-total darkness has become a liberating process for me, freeing me from the need for perfection.

Through my work, I aim to create spaces where emotions can be shared openly, without fear or judgment.

Journals

In my journals for each series of paintings, I reflect on my artistic practice, weaving together relevant historical and scientific research to deepen understanding of the creative process.