Welcome

a creative high altitude studio

Growing is an extension of my creative practice, another canvas. I learn about color, form, and composition while further tethering myself to a bigger collective connection. The garden, my painting, and my writing flow into each other. It is here, where my worlds intersect, and where that constant loop of memories and regrets and should haves get muted, giving way to hue and light.  It is here where crisis finds perspective, and tranquility a platform.  It is here that enables me to process what I have lost, what I want to gain, and where the benevolent ghosts come to play.

Writer

I have journaled all my life, written for publications including Aspen Sojourner and The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Now writing is part of my daily creative practice and I keep a regular blog on Substack. Join me!

Gardener

My garden holds my signature, and the signature of all its botanical and animal inhabitants. It is here, where my worlds intersect and where I find infinite inspiration.

Artist

Art is an invitation. To connect. To observe. To wonder. My art explores my narrative in the context of the human relationship to our planet and all its inhabitants.

Meet Isa

Brief Artist Bio

Isa has spent the past thirty-three years working in watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. She has taught workshops at many art institutions, including the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, Colorado, and the Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. From 2019 to 2024, she expanded her studio to include product design and worked closely with the book artist Jennifer Roberts. At the end of 2024, they downsized the studio to focus more on producing fine art, original handmade books, and bespoke bookmaking. She lives outside of Aspen, Colorado, with her husband, the writer and producer Daniel A. Shaw, and one very needy dog.

MORE ABOUT ISA

Right-Brain Notes

  • I hike the hills at every available opportunity to peer at things. 
  • I carry my sketchbook everywhere.
  • I am a ruthless backgammon player.
  •  I think curiosity is a vital organ.
  • I have a great many ideas and then forget them. 
  • I hate to pack.
  • I would own ten more dogs but want to stay married.
  • I try to advocate for arts education, the planet, and social justice.
  • I am always the wrong temperature on airplanes.
  • There are never enough flowers.
Come say hello

Mondays are for Studio Visits!

If you are local or visiting Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley, the studio is open by appointment most Mondays starting June 16th. Please email us your requested date/time and we will respond shortly with a confirmation and driving directions.

Email Request