Malia Shields

Biography

I was raised in suburban Colorado. I have spent time elsewhere but always return to the mountains that just feel like home. I received my first validation as an artist in the 3rd grade, when I was selected by my teacher to study and draw the nude form. Since, I have found myself on a journey that always returns me to my paintings and drawings, as if to say, "this is where you belong." I have studied under sculptor, Tom Ware; painter, Michael Gadlin; Christine Shock, Photoshop expert and countless other extraordinary people along the way. These are the artists who have influenced me. As well, I feel a strong connection to the work of Ken Valastro, Picasso, Monet and so many new, emerging talents.

Artist Statement

Malia means 'perhaps.' I feel it is descriptive of the place creativity takes me, as well as the sense of freedom I experience. I believe art, in any form, creates itself, and while skills can be developed and mastered, it is not until the artist is able to let go and let a piece become -- that the artist is also set free. My art is emotion based. It has always been. My purpose is to express, evoke, and describe emotion. In fact, it often happens that I cannot articulate in words what I otherwise can in a painting or a photograph. I wrote the previous paragraph about 3 years ago. I still have the same resonance with those words, except now I would add... More and more, I feel I have a purpose in communicating tranquility and healing through my work. I hope it evokes in you an easy transition to a place within that is centered and peaceful.

Art Education

I am educated as a fine artist, photographer and designer, beginning at The School of the Arts Institute of Chicago, Red Rocks Community College and National Association of Photoshop Professionals, and most recently studying under scholarship at the Art Student League of Denver. I have studied next to and been mentored by some amazing people, without whom I would not be the artist I am today. I am indebted to them all. I have been fortunate to receive honors from NAPP, RRCC as well as London Business Conferences. As well, the paintings 'Beautiful People' and 'Nude' have been published in recent years.

Awards

• London Business Conferences International Art Competition, placed in top 10 for "Painted Cityscape"
• National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Editor's Choice for "Portrait of Lucas"
• Published in Southwest Art Magazine, "Beautiful People"
• Published in Art of the 4 Corners Magazine, "Nude"