About me -

Shell Cooper is a contemporary abstract artist whose work captures the raw, expressive energy of nature through fluid, floral-inspired forms. Originally from South Africa, her practice is deeply shaped by a life lived across landscapes—drawing on the vast light of Africa, the quiet seasonal shifts of Canada, and the lush, untamed beauty of Costa Rica. Her paintings evoke heat, growth, and movement, where color and gesture unfold intuitively, echoing both memory and place. With a style that feels at once wild and refined, Cooper creates layered immersive works that invite a sense of freedom, atmosphere, and emotional resonance.

Shell paints LARGE scale canvas art, she loves acrylic mostly, with mixed media touches to add interest and whimsy.

"At the heart of my practice is an exploration of the human condition. Themes of hope, doubt, resilience, wonder, and loss are woven into each painting, with nature serving as both subject and metaphor. I consider myself as an emerging artist, exploring new beginnings and the freedom found in my work. I love a blank canvas!

Working intuitively, I build surfaces and layers through colour, gesture, and texture, allowing each piece to evolve organically. The resulting works are not depictions of nature, but reflections on memory, place, and the shared emotions that connect us."

Current Representation

Vida Del Arté Gallery, San Raphael, Costa Rica 2025/2026

Solo Vernissage Nov 22 2025

I generally appreciate all movements and artists and love finding new artists for around the world to further inspire me. I recently visited the gallery and was taken by Shell Cooper, her art reflected something I’ve been looking for to find myself” Quote from a visitor to Galeria Pura Vida , in Santa Teresa Costa Rica 2025