Shira Coward Kelly didn’t set out to be an artist; art found her when she needed it most. What started as a creative outlet turned into a bold, joy-filled journey she’s still exploring.
How did you find yourself on an artist’s path? Always there? Lightbulb moment? Dragged kicking and screaming? Evolving?
My path into art has definitely been evolving and deeply personal.
Before moving to the U.S., I lived in Italy where I got my Master’s in Fashion Communication and Styling. It wasn’t “fine art,” but it was still a very creative space, I worked in fashion events, styling, and marketing, so creative expression has always been part of my world.
It wasn’t until I was navigating a new life in a new country that I truly gave myself permission to explore art in a deeper way. When I moved to Wilmington after getting married, I suddenly found myself with a lot of free time and, honestly, a lot of loneliness.
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The immigration process was really tough, and I didn’t have a support circle here. My husband was the only person I had to lean on, so I turned to art as a way to process everything I was feeling. It became my outlet, my therapy, and eventually, my passion.
Before I went fully into painting, I was selling hand embroidered shirts, and one day in a market I met this girl who owned an art gallery and she told me that I needed to be doing those designs into canvas. She invited me to her gallery, and months later she hosted an exhibit, I got to be part of it. That’s when my journey as an artist really began, and I made my first sales.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I find inspiration in the little things, those unexpected moments that break routine. A new meal, a sunrise walk, people watching, being out in nature… anytime something shifts, I feel a spark.
It’s a reminder to be present, because inspiration is everywhere. You just have to pay attention.
Do you plan your work out ahead of time, or do you just dive in with your materials and start playing?
I don’t plan ahead, I dive right in.
My process is very intuitive and spontaneous. I let my emotions lead the way, and I trust what comes out.
It’s all about feeling, not formulas or sketches for me.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
I switch things up. If I’m not in the mood to paint a full canvas, I’ll paint on a shirt or a vase instead.
Playing with different surfaces and mediums keeps it fresh. Change has always been a constant in my life, and creatively. It helps me stay inspired and curious.
Is there an overarching theme that connects all of your work?
Yes, emotion. Whether I’m painting faces or abstract tropical landscapes, there’s always a feeling behind it. My work is bold, loud, and hard to ignore, because it carries whatever I’m living through at the moment.
For example, my Tropicalíssimo collection came right after a trip to Costa Rica, my homeland. I hadn’t been back in three years due to immigration restrictions, and being there filled me with joy, nostalgia, and a deep sense of connection.
I created that series as a way to hold on to those memories, how alive I felt being surrounded by nature 24/7, the relaxed rhythm of life, the chaos and color and kindness. Being away from home is not easy so I wanted to hold onto those feelings in a way.
Where can people see your work?
I upload all my work to my website. I have some of my pieces in a local restaurant, Beat Street in Wilmington, North Carolina. Also, you can find some of my prints and vases at Crafted Outpost, in the cargo district, and Seacreatures Raregoods also has some of my vases.
Interview posted July 2025
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