About
Ailisha Shannon is an Irish/Dutch visual artist and writer based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In her work, Ailisha draws inspiration from wild nature and mystery. Ever endeavouring to capture the hidden, the lost and the unspoken.
Next to her artistic practice, Ailisha works as a teacher and tutor (since 2009), teaching at various art schools and universities as well as her own drawing class studio. As a teacher, Ailisha specializes in storytelling, drawing & concept and idea development.
Her workshops and classes are geared towards supporting and inspiring students to find their artistic voice and confidence, whilst also providing them with the tools needed to build a solid and exciting artistic practice of their own.
“It’s all about storytelling. To me, there is truly nothing more powerful than to tell a story in a voice of one's own.”
Career
After graduating with Honors in Fine Arts (HKU) in 2008, Ailisha continued to work as a visual artist and taught Art at various elementary schools. In 2010 she founded a drawing class studio in Rotterdam, focussing on Drawing & Concept classes for postgraduates within the artistic field. Ailisha was a guest tutor at various art schools and universities including the University of Arts Utrecht (HKU), Technical University Delft (TU) and Het Nieuwe Instituut (NI). Focussing on large scale drawing during this time, her work was also shown in various exhibitions including The World Trade Centre Gallery Rotterdam (group show), Design Centre De Winkelhaak Antwerp (group show), De Witte Slagerij Rotterdam (solo show) and Raw Art Fair Rotterdam (group show).
In 2014 Ailisha started to work as a brand strategist, specializing in copy and brand storytelling. She went on to start a small brand agency under the name of Aideen. During this period, she worked with IBM, Dutch Design Foundation, Studio LONK, Marineterrein Amsterdam, University of Utrecht, Leolux, The Province of South Holland, PVDA and Blubrik | Nexton. She also tutored at the Municipality of Amsterdam, the University of Arts Utrecht (HKU) and the Writers Guide to the Galaxy.
In 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown, Ailisha took her work online. She developed an online course, Drawing & Concept, which allowed her to teach students from all across Europe. Due to the success of the course, Ailisha has continued teaching the course beyond lockdown, alongside her own artistic practice. In 2021 Ailisha was invited to develop and teach an Artist in Residency program in London for Art for Guernsey together with artist Daniel Hosego. This was also the year that she developed The Winter Intensive a unique mid to advanced online art course with a closing exhibition in Rotterdam each spring.
Next to her work as an artist and teacher Ailisha is also active as Project Leader & Creative Director of Exhale at X TU Delft since 2023.