Artist Spotlight: Cassandra Shaw 🎨
Cassandra Shaw is an accomplished painter and jewelry designer who has honed her craft over two decades. Originally from the west coast of Canada, Cassandra’s early years saw her moving across the country due to her father’s career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, immersing her in diverse landscapes and communities. She began her journey as an artist while living in Vancouver, BC, where her passion for painting took root. In 1999, she relocated to Puerto Vallarta, a move that marked the beginning of her celebrated career in jewelry design and acrylic art.
Her gallery, nestled in Old Town Vallarta, has become a go-to spot for art lovers and jewelry enthusiasts alike, renowned for its bold and dramatic designs. Cassandra’s paintings, distinguished by their vibrant colors, heavy layers, and intense contrast, convey a unique blend of styles, ranging from abstract to surreal, with one constant: they steer clear of strict realism. Her work often embraces humor and the expressive charm of animal faces, inviting viewers to see the joy and quirks in life.
Cassandra’s jewelry is equally captivating, a testament to her belief that wearable art should be both beautiful and distinctive. Each piece is meticulously crafted in Mexico, embodying the bold aesthetic that defines her artistic approach.
A major influence in Cassandra’s artistic life has been Lucille Shipley, with whom she painted for her first 20 years in Puerto Vallarta. Under Shipley’s mentorship, Cassandra developed a style that remains dynamic and evolving. Whether on canvas or in silver, Cassandra Shaw’s art is an invitation to celebrate color, whimsy, and life’s unexpected beauty.
