Kirsten Shaw (Spectrum Art Studio)

I am a professional artist, dancer and workshop facilitator recognised for hand painted murals, creative workshops and theatrical collaborative performances. Delivering detailed paintings, innovative workshops, and explorative collaborations, my work caters to the immediate environment with the aims to elevate spaces, inspire individuals and encourage unity. Commissioned by different councils, shops and organisations to design and paint murals reflecting nature. Produce workshops that include art and movement practice. Collaborated with multiple groups and particularly enjoy performing with spoken word artists. Over 10 years in the arts, commissioned by Tameside Council, Wembley Park, Harrow Council and charities such as MyYard.

I am a visual artist who works across a range of media, originally crochet and textile but more recently in sculpture, installation and performance. I have a sensory approach to connecting to materials, most of them domestic recycled waste. I am very interested in experimentation and cross collaborations with artists from other disciplines and also outside of the field of the arts. Across the years, my practice has delved into the visual and metaphorical links between neuroscience and crochet, the cracking and transformations of womanhood after the menopause and more recently the opening and reconnecting to nature.

I have been involved in the music business for over 35 years as a studio engineer and later specialising more in restoring and mastering recordings. I work for both individual artists and record labels. I have a strong interest in helping to promote music and also helping people with music technology – particularly as a moderator on the Sound On Sound forum. I also have an electronic engineering and computing background which helps me to make sense of much of the new technology that it constantly emerging.