In the work of Shanice Farrugia, vulnerability is not a side note—it is the starting point. Through delicately layered drawings, paintings, and mixed media, each piece opens a space between inner contemplation and shared human experience. Rooted in memory, emotion, and reflection, the practice balances personal narrative with a deep awareness of how art resonates beyond the self. With a focus on connection, perception, and empathy, this body of work quietly affirms the role of the artist as both observer and storyteller.

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Is art created for the artist, the audience, or somewhere in between? 

This is a question I’ve often reflected on, especially during my bachelor’s degree, when I began thinking more critically about the role of art beyond personal expression. Growing up, my artistic passion was evident, and my family quickly recognised it. During my teenage years, I often created personalised commissioned works, tailoring pieces to the emotions and experiences of others. Seeing my work appreciated by those it was made for made me realise that art is not only self-expression but also a way to connect deeply. This early influence impressed upon me that art can be created for an audience, with its impact often extending beyond the artist’s initial intentions. My parents, while supportive, occasionally questioned whether pursuing a career in the arts could be both fulfilling and financially sustainable. Their concerns were understandable,  especially given the unpredictable nature of creative careers. In reassuring them, I often reflected on what people truly seek from art—how it can speak to experiences outside my own.  These conversations encouraged me to consider how my work could hold meaning beyond myself. It was during my studies that I began exploring these questions more seriously. In conversations with lecturers, I often discussed how external perceptions might influence an artist’s identity and creative choices. These exchanges prompted me to think more critically about the evolving relationship between self-expression and audience engagement. I eventually focused my dissertation on this topic, examining the relationship between the artist, the artwork, and the viewer. My research explored how meaning shifts between the creator’s intent and the viewer’s perception, revealing how an artist’s identity is often entangled with the work itself. I found that while art begins in personal experience, it is continually reshaped by the ways others engage with it. My dissertation reinforced the idea that an artist who finds harmony between their vision and outside perspectives can create work that resonates more broadly. 

 

For me, art lives somewhere in the tension between the personal and the shared. My work is rooted in self-exploration, yet it is not created solely for myself. Through drawing, painting, and mixed media, I aim to transform personal moments into visual narratives that invite viewers to engage, reflect, and connect. Whether in self-portraits or depictions of loved ones, I aim to convey vulnerability, intimacy, and perception—emotions that feel relatable even when the context differs. I’ve come to understand that people often seek something in art—whether a sense of belonging, understanding, or even escapism. And while audience connection matters deeply to me, I’ve also realised that art holds an intrinsic value beyond interpretation or validation. The process of pausing, observing, and giving form to internal experience holds meaning regardless of how the work is received. At its core, I believe art is a negotiation—a dynamic exchange between what is expressed and what is received. It is neither solely for the artist nor exclusively for the audience, but exists in the space between. Art is a conversation—one that changes as it is made, shared, and interpreted. 

How do you reconcile the tension between raw, innate creativity and the discipline required to master your craft? 

Balancing raw creativity and discipline is a continuous process for me—one that evolves alongside my practice. While creativity is spontaneous and intuitive, discipline provides the structure needed to translate ideas into something tangible. The challenge is finding a middle ground between free expression and the refinement that ensures the work communicates meaningfully. Raw creativity is where everything begins. In these unfiltered moments, I let my emotions and instincts guide the process, prioritising intuition over control. It’s during this stage that the work feels most genuine. However, creativity alone isn’t enough—without discipline, ideas remain fragmented. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate the necessity of refinement. For instance, drawing in detail requires hours of focused immersion, allowing for deep contemplation. The more time I spend on a piece, the more I assess my choices, ensuring each element enhances the whole. This meticulous approach strengthens my ability to convey emotion and helps viewers connect with the work. Discipline is also vital for building technical skill and sustaining a creative rhythm. This requires resilience—showing up and working even when inspiration is absent (especially after my full-time job). I no longer see discipline as a restriction on creativity, but as a partner that helps shape ideas into cohesive works. It ensures my ideas evolve into something concrete and impactful, rather than remaining abstract.

 

One of the greatest challenges is knowing when to step back. Overworking can dull the impact of a piece, while stopping too soon can leave it incomplete. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and recognise when a piece has reached its full potential. Navigating this tension between control and release requires reflection and the humility to let go when needed. This balance is especially present in my ongoing series of black-and-white drawings, rooted in themes of timelessness and memory. These works capture candid, humorous moments of everyday life shared with loved ones, freezing ephemeral experiences into tangible memories.  The simplicity of black and white enhances their rawness, while the discipline involved ensures each piece is sharp and deliberate. By refining my technique, I ensure the work remains both emotionally and visually compelling.Ultimately, reconciling spontaneity and structure means embracing both. Inspiration offers the spark; discipline gives it shape. It’s not just about technique — it’s about dedication, patience,  and the willingness to engage deeply, even when it challenges me. This balance allows my art to be both instinctive and intentional, intuitive yet refined. It’s through this tension that my work evolves—and through it, I learn not just to create, but to fully express my ideas.

What do you think is the most meaningful role an artist plays in society today? 

In today's world, I believe the most meaningful role an artist plays is to serve as a reflective conduit—a storyteller who invites contemplation and fosters human connection. As an artist, I see my role as one of observation and expression, creating space for people to reflect on their own emotions, experiences, and identities. In an age where we are constantly overwhelmed by images and information, art offers a crucial pause—a moment for inner reflection and personal reckoning. Through my work, I aim to encourage empathy and understanding by inviting viewers into my inner world, while allowing them the freedom to interpret it through their own lens. However, I also recognise that not all artists create for the same reasons. Some might use their art as an escape, others to challenge perceptions, and some to simply explore the unknown. But I believe it holds immense power to challenge societal norms and highlight voices that are often overlooked. It offers a platform to discuss issues that affect us all, and as artists, we have a responsibility to portray human emotion in its rawest form, creating spaces where vulnerability is embraced. I also see artists as caretakers of culture, preserving and reinterpreting personal stories,  identities, and emotions for future generations. In my own practice, I focus on capturing the nuances of everyday life, adding to a collective memory that mirrors the complexity of our shared experiences. While each artist may work differently—whether through abstraction or expressionism—we all contribute uniquely to the cultural fabric of society. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a creative community that has the power to evoke empathy,  encourage reflection, and open up meaningful conversations. The role of the artist is not to impose a singular viewpoint, but to create space for dialogue where diverse perspectives can coexist and enrich our collective understanding. As artists, we act as bridges—connecting people through shared emotional experiences, fostering empathy, and helping others see the world and themselves more clearly. By creating work that resonates both personally and universally, I believe we foster a more empathetic society.

Describe a piece you’ve created that has held the most emotional weight for you. What makes it significant? 

"Unspoken", a self-portrait from my dissertation project, is one of the most emotionally significant pieces I’ve created. It emerged during a personally and artistically challenging period, intensified by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. This painting became a crucial tool for introspection and a turning point in my exploration of self-portraiture. At its core, Unspoken captures the quiet intensity of internalised emotions. It's an honest portrayal of deep contemplation, exploring the tension between internalised emotions and outward composure. The stillness resonated with viewers who had experienced similar silent struggles. Before this piece, my work often focused on broader narratives. Unspoken marked a shift toward a more vulnerable approach—one of the first times I made myself both subject and storyteller. This process deepened my understanding of self-portraiture as a means of expression and connection. When exhibited, the response was moving; many saw their own emotions reflected in it, reaffirming the universality of unspoken struggles, especially during a time like COVID, when isolation made those inner experiences even harder to voice. The process of creating this painting was as meaningful as the final outcome. It was a deeply introspective experience, requiring me to be present and attuned to my emotions. I recognise these meanings may not be immediately evident to the viewer. I used layering to convey this emotional depth, starting with a base of yellow to symbolise clarity and optimism before life became more difficult. Over it, I applied deep purples to reflect emotional weight and lingering pain. The bruised quality of the purple suggests hardship, while glimpses of yellow beneath hint at underlying resilience. The subject’s direct gaze invites a quiet but intimate confrontation with emotion. The composition reinforces themes of unresolved emotions, isolation, and introspection. The lack of sharp detail and softened edges draws focus to the subject’s expression. Deliberately unfinished areas, where the figure dissolves into the background,  emphasise emotional tension and the idea that vulnerability is an ongoing process rather than a concluded state.

 

Creating "Unspoken" shifted my focus from external narratives to personal expression, placing introspection and emotional truth at the centre of my practice. I drew inspiration from artists like Jenny Saville and Lucian Freud, whose raw depictions of the self encouraged me to embrace authenticity. What makes Unspoken particularly significant is its ability to transcend my personal experience and become relatable to others. Created during a time of widespread isolation, it speaks to a shared fragility. Everyone experiences hardship, and this piece became a silent yet powerful reminder that it's okay not to be okay. It reaffirmed my belief in self-portraiture as a meaningful tool for connection, showing that what remains unspoken often carries the most profound message. Since completing this work in 2021, I’ve continued creating self-portraits as part of an ongoing series. The cathartic process and the responses it received affirmed the capacity of art to foster empathy and connection.

How do you challenge yourself to continually grow as an artist while remaining true to your voice? 

Growing as an artist while staying true to my voice is an ongoing process of exploration,  introspection, and refinement. It requires curiosity and openness to evolve while maintaining authenticity. For me, growth comes from seeking new influences and embracing different perspectives. I actively engage with art history, contemporary movements, and personal experiences, integrating these elements thoughtfully to expand my artistic language while staying rooted in my vision. Experimentation is also key to my development. I challenge myself to explore different techniques, materials, and perspectives—not to change my identity but to deepen my ability to express the themes that drive my work. Introspection and emotional depth remain central, and by pushing creative boundaries, I articulate them with greater clarity. Engaging with other creatives, both locally and internationally, is an essential part of my development. I genuinely cherish meeting people from diverse backgrounds and learning from our shared experiences (and maybe that’s why I love to draw people). I regularly attend and participate in exhibitions, where I connect with fellow artists, curators, and enthusiasts. My role as a Museum Assistant and Assistant to the Curator also allows me to engage with a wide range of visitors, offering frequent opportunities for dialogue. These experiences deepen my understanding of the evolving art landscape and continually inspire me. I believe collaboration and conversation are vital—not only for challenging assumptions, but for reigniting my appreciation of art’s ability to bring people together. At the same time, I stay committed to authenticity. My work is deeply personal, and as I grow, I  ensure that each piece reflects my perspective and emotional truth. Solitude and self-reflection guide my process, helping me stay connected to the core of my creative voice. In essence, I challenge myself to grow by embracing curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration, all while remaining grounded in the values that define my work. This journey of growth isn’t just about refining my skills—it’s about deepening my understanding of myself and the world around me and using that insight to create art that resonates deeply with others. 

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the art world? 

When contemplating the kind of legacy I hope to leave in the art world, I approach the question with both aspiration and humility. I hope my work isn’t just seen but felt —that it feels like an experience, something that perhaps stays with people on a deeper level, offering moments of introspection and an invitation for honest confrontation with one’s inner self.  As an artist, I have been drawn to exploring themes of identity, vulnerability, and perception. My self-portraits delve into the raw, often unspoken emotions that shape us. Meanwhile, my depictions of loved ones foster connection through shared, relatable experiences. Through my work, I aim to create a space where viewers can find peace in solitude—a state of calm found in embracing one’s emotions rather than resisting them. True self-awareness comes from embracing vulnerability, sitting with our emotions, and engaging in honest self-reflection. The ability to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and inspire reflection has always been one of the most rewarding aspects of my creative journey. I believe art transcends boundaries,  connecting individuals in meaningful ways. I hope my work provides solace for those navigating grief. Art holds space for emotions that words cannot. In moments of loss, uncertainty, or change, visual storytelling can provide a form of solace—a reminder that our emotions are valid and shared. If my work can offer even a moment of comfort or understanding to someone navigating their own journey, then I will have contributed something meaningful. 

 

Additionally, I wish to inspire emerging artists to embrace authenticity in their creative journeys.  In the ever-changing art world, staying true to one’s voice is essential. I believe that art is most powerful when it comes from a place of sincerity. By sharing my own artistic path—its challenges, triumphs, and transformations- I hope to encourage others to create fearlessly, to view art not just as an external pursuit but as an internal exploration. While I know that my contribution may be small in the grand scheme of the art world, I believe that even the smallest artistic expression can create a ripple effect. If my work can inspire a moment of self-reflection, spark a conversation, or provide a sense of connection, then I know it has meant something. Above all, I want to create work that feels honest—one that carries emotional depth and fosters connection. I want my work to serve as a bridge between personal experience and universal emotion, affirming that introspection, grief, and joy are shared human experiences. Art has the power to transcend time and space, and my hope is that my creations will continue to inspire self-awareness, healing, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of being human.

Name five pivotal lessons you’ve learned that shaped your artistic journey.

✧ Curiosity keeps the work alive. 

Remaining inquisitive—about people, emotion, perception, and materials—continually opens  new possibilities within my practice. Curiosity fuels evolution and keeps the process meaningful. 

✧Art holds space for the unspoken. 

I’ve learned that art can express what words often cannot. It offers space for emotions that are difficult to articulate and has the power to comfort, provoke, and invite introspection. 

✧ Authenticity resonates. 

Staying true to my voice and vision has been more rewarding than following trends. While my work often begins in a personal space, it gains depth when it connects with others on a shared emotional level. 

✧ Creative rest is essential. 

I’ve learned that stepping back is just as important as showing up. Rest allows ideas to settle,  helps prevent burnout, and keeps the work feeling genuine rather than forced.

✧ Patience is part of the process. 

I’ve learned to be patient with the work and with myself. Figurative portraiture demands time  and close observation, but so does personal growth. Progress can feel slow or uncertain, and that’s okay. Embracing mistakes, experimentation, and reflection has been just as important as  refining technique. Both require trust in the process and a willingness to evolve.

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What emerges from this practice is not only a visual language of introspection but a bridge between solitude and solidarity. From self-portraits to shared moments rendered in pencil or paint, each work offers a moment of pause, where rawness is allowed and meaning unfolds slowly. In this space, art becomes not just a reflection, but a shared act of seeing—revealing the emotional threads that bind individual experience to collective understanding.