Shirley White is a self-taught abstract artist living in Nanaimo, BC who uses fluid alcohol ink and mixed media to create captivating paintings rich with colours and textures. Her journey began with the sudden changes that took place in the world in 2020. Her explorations into different mediums led her to fall in love with the colours, flow, and originality that alcohol ink offers. Shirley draws from a range of inspirations using the freedom of creativity and expression conforming only to the limits of her imagination. She has been mentored by some amazingly talented international artists who have helped her to explore and develop her own personal techniques and styles. Shirley’s paintings have been seen in local art exhibits in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, and Port Alberni as well as in many Vancouver Island art festivals. 

"My paintings are primarily alcohol ink on synthetic paper or canvas. They feature vivid colours and layers that give the impression of movement and energy, a graceful dance between ink, alcohol, and air to leave a captivating visual experience for the viewer to freely interpret. The abstract nature of my work allows me to release the control that I struggle to balance daily and express life freely without following defined concepts, rules, or regulations.

I have explored many methods of working with alcohol ink and keep coming back to one of my favorites - moving the inks with my hair dryer. It is mesmerizing watching the ebb and flow of the inks as they bend and blend with the movement of the airflow directed along the surface of the paper or canvas. Alternatively, the use of my breath to move the inks creates yet another effect and gives even more control of the composition over to the inks themselves. The final part of my process includes the finer work of using brushes, pens, and other media to add details that help further define the character of the painting.

Sometimes I have a composition in mind that I want to work towards, but I have learned to be very flexible as the alcohol ink can move in an unintended direction, instantly changing hours of work. Much of the time the inspiration for a painting comes from the flow of the ink itself and the designs it produces as it dries. The final painting often shows the influence the natural and organic world has on my imagination, particularly the ocean.

Working with fluid alcohol ink has made me let go of intent and expectation, and enjoy the unexpected and the artistic process. Each piece is an extension of my desire to sculpt the alcohol ink, making the ink surge, drift, and dance on the page allowing a meaning or impression to emerge that is individual to each observer."

Shirley has many creations to share with you and hopes that one can find its way into your home to give you as much joy in viewing it as she has had in creating it. If there is something specific that you would like, she can also do a special project just for you. Just send an email and she will contact you to get the details.