Schira Withers

Abstract artist Schira Withers originally hailed from Ireland and has resided in New Zealand for 28 years. She has always been passionate about the visual arts. In 2019 she chose to say goodbye to her career as a primary school teacher and to embark on an unknown pathway; an artist’s journey. Since wholeheartedly diving into the art community, she has exhibited throughout New Zealand, with success in sales both nationally and internationally. 

This year, Schira is now releasing a dream; to return to study full time at the Ilam School of Fine Arts, University of Canterbury and intends to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts over the next three years.  

Over the last five years, Schira has focused her practice in creating sculptural works on a canvas plane that are thought provoking and expressive. She uses a range of textural acrylic mixed media pastes, gels, resin sands and paint, which she then varnishes to a high gloss finish. Her artworks are an energetic expression of her passion for nature and the human response to its environment. She believes the all consuming and intricate process of creating a piece is as enjoyable as sharing the result itself.

One is often tempted to search for a familiar element in an abstract painting and question what it resembles. However, In her works, she asks the viewer to engage with the depth of the textural form and to delve into a meditative moment; to view the story on canvas, that uses shape and texture to speak. The colours flow, move and intertwine within the contours on the surface and speak of our daily sights and sounds. The viewer can then identify and decipher their own narrative from the abstract piece. 

The intricate and varied process of creating an image for Schira is a journey that brings a sense of peace and completeness. She becomes immersed in the process when moulding the folds and contours of the surface plane and uses them to tell her story. She gives of herself fully to each and every artwork.

Schira’s artworks have been featured several times in both Art Edit Magazine and UK House And Garden Magazine.  In 2023 she took on a job as one of the visitor guides at the Christchurch Art Gallery, a role which she believes, has been an absolute honour. She is delighted to be ‘giving back’ to the community that has inspired and supported her journey. 

Schira has shown in many shows over the years including the Christchurch Art Show, Auckland Art Show, Arts Canterbury annual show, as well as Down By The liffey Gallery in Lincoln and The New Zealand Artists Exhibitions.  Her works are available to view and purchase at The Captain’s Quarter Gallery in Akaroa, Rei Gallery in Lyttelton and The Ivy Design Store in Sumner.  They are also displayed in offices and boutique retail locations in Christchurch.