About

Rachel Shaw is a fine artist, painter and illustrator. She draws inspiration from myth, fairytale, and through deeply personal narratives, using her practice to reclaim agency within societal restraints. Her work is predominantly figurative and explores themes of transformation, embodiment, and metamorphoses. This body of work is a journey through the essence of femininity. 

Exploring an inner world that embodies empowerment, resilience, and the beauty of the feminine spirit Rachel references mythological narratives, such as Leda and the Swan. These serve as powerful metaphors for resilience and the reclaiming of female agency. They focus on the reclamation of women’s voices, whilst bridging the gap between the real and the unreal. 

Rachel’s interest in angels and the symbolism of wings stems from a desire to explore the human psyche and spirit, emphasising both inner strength and ethereal qualities. Her practice is rooted in oil painting.  More recently she has extended her visual language using water colour; its fluidity has enabled her to work more intuitively and internally, initiating new narratives.

MIXED EXHIBITIONS

2025
‘Wander through Wonder’ MA Illustration Degree show, Falmouth University

2025
‘The Cornish Maids’ Wharfside Art Hub, Penzance 

2023/24
‘The Spirit of Cornwall’ Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro 

2022
‘Emergence’ The Poly, Falmouth 

2019
‘Newlyn School of Art Studio Practice Show’ Chapel House Gallery, Penzance 

2014
‘ART8’ Carnmarth Newquay 

2013
‘BA (Hons) Fine Art  Degree show’ Falmouth University 2011-13

2012
‘Interlude’ The Poly, Falmouth

EDUCATION

Falmouth University, MA (Distinction) Authorial Illustration 2023-25

Peninsula Teaching, QTS Art and Design 2014-15

Falmouth University, BA (Hons) Fine Art 2011-13  

London College of Printing and Distributive Trades Design (Display)1996-98