Informed by my preoccupation with the sky, my work explores subconscious states of freedom. I view expanse as a realm that’s continually being filled, marked, and occupied by events that are still in process. The work is an invitation to consider the fragility of things half-formed, our addiction to instant gratification, and the power of process.

I suspect the compulsive nature of the movement is partly related to the need to stay alive, to be human.

A Chicago native, Natalie holds a studio art degree and is a graduate of Yale University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Shasta College, and Bethel School of Ministry. Her exhibition history includes ICOSA Collective and the Ann Metzger National Biennial Exhibition juried by Jade Powers, Assistant Curator at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Along with her work being acquired by private collectors in Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, and the Caribbean, she is the recipient of the Barbara Jane Carr Scholarship for excellence in the visual arts and several juror awards. Natalie practices in and is pleased to be part of the artistic community in Austin, TX. You may follow her behind the scenes on Instagram at @natalieshawstudio.

2023 Freedom, Highland Park Arts Center, Chicagoland IL (Opens March 3rd)

2022 EAST Austin Studio Tour, Bolm Studios, Austin TX

2021 Ann Metzger National Biennial Exhibition, National Juried Group Exhibition, St Louis MO

2021 EAST Austin Studio Tour, Bolm Studios, Austin TX

2019 EAST Austin Studio Tour, Bolm Studios, Austin TX

2019 Open 30, National Juried Group Exhibition, Martha Fenstermaker Gallery, Laredo TX

2019 Skins and Beginnings, Window Dressing Solo Exhibition, ICOSA Gallery, Austin TX

2019 Contemporary Texas, Statewide Juried Exhibition, Ao5 Gallery, Austin TX

2019 Dialogic, Cement Loop Gallery, Austin TX

2018 Open 30, National Juried Group Exhibition, Martha Fenstermaker Gallery, Laredo TX

2018 In The Beginning, Solo Exhibition, Joy Organics, Austin TX

2018 Without A Name, Solo Exhibition, Theory Collaborative, Redding CA

2018 Annual Show, Liberty Arts Contemporary Gallery, Yreka CA

2017 Art in the City, Solo Exhibition, Redding City Hall, Redding CA

2017 Forgeries, Carter House Gallery, Redding CA

2017 Chico Art Center Juried Group Exhibition, Online Gallery, Chico CA | Honorable Mention Award Recipient

2017 Go Home, Carter House Gallery, Redding CA

2017 Air & Other Spaces, Solo Exhibition, The Stirring, Redding CA

2017 Shasta Lake Showcase, Heritage Art Center, Shasta City CA

2017 Home, Siskiyou Arts Museum, Dunsmuir CA

2016 Impressions, Liberty Arts Contemporary Gallery, Yreka CA

2016 Shasta College Year End Show, Shasta College Gallery, Redding CA | Juror Award Recipient (2)

2016 Above Ground, Solo Exhibition, Shasta College Library Gallery, Redding CA

2023 Juried Art Selection, Create Magazine Issue #34

2020 Austin Creative Worker Relief Grant

2016 Honorable Mention Award Recipient, Chico Art Center

2016 Dual Juror’s Award, Shasta College Annual Exhibition

2015 Barbara Jane Carr Scholarship for Excellence in Visual Art