Alison Shaw

Picasso once said, “you don’t make art, you find it.” Where do you find your art?
I “find” my art in the most unexpected places. Each body of work I’ve produced has a different origin story, although I often find there is a connection to the ocean – living most of my life on an island has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

From an idea to materialization: How do you approach your work?
It might take some prodding to jump into something, and in some cases years of percolation about a particular concept, but when I do, I’m “all in.” My most productive work comes has from certain junctures in my photographic career: The evolution of my style into a new arena (as when I went from black and white to color; or years later, from vivid color and compositions that filled the frame, to minimal color and large areas of negative space). Or, from the start of a new project (Seascape series, Artist Studio series, Boat series, the Art of Wooden Boat Building). In each case I evaluate approach, perspective, style, and presentation details. I use Adobe Lightroom Classic as my editing tool – it is an invaluable resource in terms of organizing my thoughts around any particular body of work. Beyond that, I’m a big believer in just doing the work  – I don’t over-think it, I just get out there and follow my gut. In terms of the finished product, fine art prints in a gallery setting are my primary goal. For that, consistency and quality are essential.

What is your favorite book?
I love the writing of John McPhee – he’s able to take pretty much any subject and turn it into a fascinating read. In many ways that’s what I’m always striving to do with my art.

Which artist would you like to have coffee with , and what would you like to discuss?
Probably Edward Hopper – I love his extraordinary use of light, form and color, the moodiness, and simple brushwork. I guess I’d like to get inside his head a bit – understanding where his art comes from.

How did you get into art?
I think I was born into it. My mom studied architecture and became a photographer professionally. My dad was a passionate amateur photographer but chose a career in architecture so as to have a better way to support a family. My aunt was a poet and dancer, I had uncles who were architects, brothers who are musicians, etc.
As a kid I was super serious about painting (primarily watercolors) and and working in pen and ink – I first showed/sold my work in a gallery as a teenager. My mom had a darkroom in our basement and my dad took me to New York City to buy me my first “real” camera, so that’s how I got into photography specifically.

Who are the people in your surroundings that influence you?
My photography students – I find teaching to be very invigorating as well as creating opportunities for my growth as a photographer and artist. And my team at Alison Shaw Photography – Sue and Claire – for me, being a successful artist is certainly not a solo endeavor. Creatively, my inspiration tends to come directly from the subject matter and not from any individuals in my sphere.

Imagine you have a time machine. Where would you go?
Italy during the height of the Renaissance. Probably Florence. In college I was an art history major and that was my primary area of study. I even had an internship at the Uffizi Gallery during my junior year abroad.

Other than art, what are you most passionate about?
Several things come to mind. Cooking which is also a creative outlet. Travel – teaching photo workshops around the world has taken me to many wonderful and inspiring locations. And Community involvement here on the island of Martha’s Vineyard where I live – among other things I serve on the board of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.

What are you working on right now?
I’m actually in a little bit of a lull at the moment. I find that many of my photography projects run their course naturally. My most recent total creative immersion was in my Boat Series project which consisted of very formal “portraits” of boats, often along with any story they have to tell.