Julia D. Shaw
Queens, New York
Julia D. Shaw is a self-taught textile and mixed-media artist whose work is rooted in cultural memory, faith, healing, and vibrant African-inspired design.
Message
Julia D. Shaw serves as the Director of the Rochdale Village Community Center, where since 2016 she has developed large-scale cultural programs, youth initiatives, and community partnerships that enrich one of New York City’s most historic cooperative developments based in Southeast Queens.
Shaw is a multidisciplinary artist, arts leader, and community advocate whose work bridges cultural expression, education, and social connection. An ARTWorks Fellow at the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), Shaw’s artwork has been featured in prominent group exhibitions across New York City. Her artistic practice—rooted in personal healing, storytelling, and community empowerment—informs her work as a teaching artist, where she leads workshops that foster creativity and wellness for diverse audiences.
Shaw is also the co-founder and co-publisher of Collaborative Experience, Inc. (CEI), where she has contributed to a series of bestselling book anthologies that have helped more than sixty writers achieve publication.
With over three decades of professional experience spanning entrepreneurship, arts programming, marketing, and senior services, Shaw brings a multifaceted lens to her creative and community work. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from CUNY York College and is an active member of New York City’s cultural landscape through the Fulton Arts Fair and the Rochdale Village Urban Garden Club.
Statement
An ongoing investigation of the interplay between healing, growth, emotion, nature, and the human experience characterizes my artistic journey. Through my work, I aim to explore the essence of insightful moments that reveal the profound beauty present in everyday life. The ever-changing world, combined with my unique life experiences and the impact of my African and Native American cultures, has influenced my current portfolio.
I have explored a broad range of media, including textiles, acrylic paints, collage, and mixed media featuring found and upcycled materials. This multifaceted approach enables me to communicate my concepts in innovative ways. The integration of vibrant colors and dynamic compositions is intended to elicit reflection and curiosity from viewers.
My artistic process combines my intuition with self-taught technique. Initial ideas often emerge spontaneously before being refined through detailed observation and deliberate execution. This equilibrium between impulsiveness and precision imparts a distinctive character to my work. A principal theme within my practice is transformation. I am particularly interested in how natural phenomena such as self-love and personal growth alter perceptions and generate new realities. My latest series embodies these concepts. In addition, my artwork incorporates the rich and vivid colors of African print fabric, in conjunction with upcycled and non-traditional materials.
As an artist, I am dedicated to continually expanding the scope of my creativity and engaging with new possibilities. I am convinced that art can foster meaningful connections, stimulate thought, and inspire positive change. Through my work, I strive to articulate my vision and contribute constructively to discussions within the art community.