About The Artist

“Shelby James found her way into art in an unexpected moment while living in Nunavut in her early twenties. With no local metal bands to go see, she picked up a magazine one day and decided to draw something from it - just for fun. That small spark turned into her ongoing creative passion.

Shelby's drawings focus on people - especially women and families - capturing them in their happiest, most natural moments. She loves portraying connection and togetherness; the kind of genuine warmth that reminds us of the people we love. Each piece can take her between twenty and thirty hours to finish, a process she approaches with patience and care.

Family and music are two of Shelby's biggest influences, both fuelling the emotion and rhythm behind her work. Over time, her art has reached some of the people she's drawn-from local sports figures to musicians in her favourite bands moments that have been both exciting and affirming for her as an artist.

During her six-month artist residency, Shelby has continued to explore how art can express joy belonging, and everyday beauty. More than anything, she hopes her work makes people fee happy-and reminds them to appreciate the people and moments that make life meaningful.” - Lisa Obirek, Studio Director, Art Beat Residency, 2025