Shirley’s practice is rooted in an exploration of form and texture, bringing these elements together to create abstract and intricately detailed works informed by her surroundings. She is drawn to the unconventional, finding beauty in what is often considered unattractive. Her sculptural objects possess a raw, tactile quality, frequently described as resembling “something that’s been dug out of the ground.” They emerge as intuitive responses to the constant development and rearranging of the cityscape, using physical locations as a catalyst for reflecting on memory, texture, and materiality.
Working in reverse, Shirley builds layers of intrigue inspired by processes of weathering, erosion, and deconstruction. Adopting a collage-like approach to her studio practice, she often incorporates remnants and leftover materials from previous projects, allowing an organic aesthetic to take shape. Interrupted surfaces celebrate ruptures, recesses, scratches, scuffs, and cracks—markings that reveal the life and history embedded within her materials.
