Shan Kerr is an artist who brings a sense of dreaminess to everything she touches, blending fashion, nature and a little bit of magic into her signature style.
What began as quiet sketches shared online during Covid has grown into a thriving creative practice, culminating in her bold leap into full-time art and content creation in early 2025. For this month’s edition of the Monthly Muse, we sat down with Shan to explore the inspirations, creative rituals and personal style that shape her world.
Tell us when and why you became an artist?
Art has always been the one thing that completely absorbs me - I can sit down to draw and suddenly hours have passed. I’ve always been quite creative, always sketching and experimenting just for fun. I never formally studied art, but I’ve loved teaching myself new techniques and styles over time. I began sharing my work online during Covid in 2019 and slowly built a small, supportive community. At the start of 2025 I made the leap from working full-time as a graphic designer to focusing entirely on art and content creation. It's been the most rewarding decision and I’ve never felt more creatively fulfilled.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I’ve always been drawn to both fashion and the natural world. Growing up, I spent just as much time flicking through beauty magazines as I did outside in the garden. My mum is a fashion designer and taught me how to draw when I was little. She’s so creative and has always been a huge inspiration to me. I love creating dreamy, ethereal portraits and capturing the iridescence of natural forms like shells and flowers - much of that inspiration comes from time spent outdoors, especially in the garden or by the sea.
Who is your favourite artist?
I’ve always been drawn to Del Kathryn Barton - she’s an incredible Australian artist whose work feels so dreamlike and ethereal, almost like stepping into another world. There’s this hypnotic mix of fantasy and emotion in everything she creates. I love how she uses colour so boldly - her palettes feel alive, almost pulsing with energy - and the way she portrays women is powerful and deeply moving. They’re always depicted as strong, mystical beings, full of complexity and emotion, which I find endlessly inspiring.
What piece are you most proud of?
I'm most proud of this eye drawing I created during Covid, at a time when I was really discovering my art style and falling in love with drawing realistic textures and bold metallics. I especially love how the gold drip detailing turned out - it was the first piece I truly felt proud of.
How would you describe your personal fashion style?
Honestly, my style changes with my mood - one day I’m colourful, the next I’m head-to-toe black, sometimes boho, sometimes super feminine and other times in something quite masc and structured. I’d say my style is easygoing but elevated. I love thrifting unique finds and supporting Australian designers who bring something special to the table.
What is one thing in your wardrobe you think everyone should own?
I’d say my ultimate wardrobe staple is a bold summer dress - even if it doesn’t get worn all the time, it’s a reminder that a sunny holiday and a spritz is always needed.
What are your 3 handbag must haves?
A good book (I’m very into my sci/fi / fantasy era at the moment), my go-to lip combo and a cute pair of sunnies.
What is your favourite TWG piece?
I visibly gasped when I unboxed this dress. The halter neck, shades of blue and fringe detail are just insanely gorgeous. The movement that the fringe creates is so beautiful. It’s such an eye-catcher and Summer in a dress!
Dinner party, dead or alive; who would you invite?
Rihanna! She was my idol growing up - so much so that I recreated her iconic short pixie cut (below) when I was in year 5. I was clearly a very confident 9 year old. Fast forward to 2025, and I still admire her just as much. She’s nailed the balance between fashion, music, confidence, and business - she’s so inspiring and effortlessly fabulous.
