Shell Cooper

Born in South Africa, living in Victoria ,BC ,Canada, I split my time between Canada and Costa Rica, where I draw inspiration from the botanicals that surround me in both environments.
It took me 4 decades to pick up a paint brush again and find the magic of just being in the moment. I paint (mostly)abstract floral paintings, I paint intuitively revelling in the process of being present and soulful in my work. I am inspired by the magic and magnificence of the natural world. Each painting is an invitation to pause, to notice to explore and to connect with something felt, remembered or imagined rather than seen.
A description of my art..

“ Cooper draws inspiration from the jungle gardens that surround her painting studio in Malpais, Costa Rica. Her larger-than-life canvases seem to be breathing and growing like the layers of foliage they depict. Ripe with bold imagination and layers of life, Cooper’s paintings energetically dance upon the walls.”…. Kristen England, artist and owner at Galeria Pura Vida Santa Teresa Costa Rica.

I have a Diploma in Interior Design and a Degree in Economics and Psychology. My artsy side however always tipped the scales, I've designed rugs which were hand-knotted in Nepal and love Saori Weaving ( a Japanese method of more imperfect weaving) on a loom. I'm drawn to beauty of imperfection as it makes space for the nurturing of imagination..
Painting comes naturally to me, all I know is I need to paint. It is a connection with the human condition that inspires me.

April 15-30 2023 “New Beginnings Exhibition” The Gallery George Vancouver BC

Nov 22 -26 “Inner Garden” 10 paintings at Gallery Vida Del Arte in San Jose Costa Rica