About this Collection:
I grew up in a crowded house with twelve family members in a tough neighborhood in San Diego. From a young age, I took on adult responsibilities, helping to raise my cousins and handling most of the cleaning at home. My family nicknamed me "CinderShalie," a playful yet poignant reminder of a childhood that often felt out of reach. Life in our neighborhood was marked by constant danger—high gang activity, frequent burglaries, and violence. I was nearly abducted right in front of our house, and one day, my older sister was shot while sitting with friends in our front yard. Thankfully, she survived, but those close calls left a lasting impact.
We faced ongoing financial struggles, and my grandfather would walk me to school and pick me up in a shopping cart, which often made me the target of teasing. After school, we’d collect rusty nails and cans to make a little extra money. When my mother, my only parent, passed away from cancer, I was separated from the family I’d always known. One of my aunts presented me with a list of relatives I could live with, scribbled on a piece of paper towel in red magic marker. Not fully understanding why I had to leave, I moved across the country to North Carolina to live with another aunt and uncle, who eventually became my adoptive parents. I went from having four siblings to becoming an only child, separated from my family across the country. This is just touching the surface of my story—it runs much deeper.
Throughout it all, my imagination was my sanctuary. As an artist and empath, I spent countless hours escaping into fantastical worlds. In school, I struggled to pay attention, and teachers would often say, “Shalimar always seems to be daydreaming.” Little did they know I was carrying unprocessed trauma. I had anxiety, severe rage and anger management issues until my early twenties. It wasn’t until college that I sought therapy, it was never offered to me prior. Disney movies and magical scenes filled my mind with positive imagery, offering an escape from the pain I experienced. Even today, I find peace spending hours immersed in fantasy novels, losing myself in otherworldly realms.
This collection is inspired by my journey and the wonder of watching my four-year-old daughter bring her own imagination to life. Seeing her captivated by the same kinds of stories I loved as a child is a joy, grounding me in the present and reminding me to savor the simple, often overlooked moments. Each piece in this collection holds more than just a story of escape; it’s a deeply personal journey woven into every stroke. I’m thrilled to share it with you and hope you find yourself just as enchanted, enjoying each fantastical escape.
Princess Tea Party | 48 x 48 oil on canvas
Another piece that just had to be created. All through childhood and even as adults, who doesn’t love a tea party with your closest friends? Look closely and count the princesses enjoying a picnic on a beautiful spring day.
Arabian Nights | 36 x 36 oil on canvas
Aladdin was one of my all-time favorite movies growing up, and I dressed up as Princess Jasmine for many Halloweens. The colors and magic of the movie captivated me then and still do today. With this piece, I wanted to capture the feeling of a magic carpet ride through the streets of Agrabah and over sparkling waters. Look closely, and let yourself imagine being on that journey!
Rainbows and Unicorns | 60 x 48 oil on canvas
There’s nothing more magical than a land filled with rainbows and unicorns floating through the sky. This is my daughter Rowan’s favorite piece—she adores the pink hues and loves counting all the hidden unicorn horns and rainbows. How many can you find? For those who enjoy Taylor Swift, this piece is also inspired by the Lover album. It’s a perfect addition to any room, from a nursery to a grand living or dining room, and will be cherished for generations. After all, who doesn’t love rainbows and unicorns?
Frozen Escape | 36 x 36 oil on canvas
A Frozen-inspired painting was a must for this Fantastical collection. This movie isn’t just a beloved favorite among kids everywhere; its simple yet stunning color palette makes it feel both beautiful and timeless. For those with daughters who adore Frozen—mine included!—this piece will surely resonate.
Dancing Princesses | 30 x 30 oil on canvas
This piece was an obvious theme of choice! How many of you dreamed of being a dancing princess when you were young? Enjoy this whimsical, calming piece that invites you to relive your princess days or watch your children immerse themselves in this magical world.
My Secret Garden | 72 x 48 oil on canvas
I have vivid childhood memories of stepping into my sparse, dry garden and imagining it transforming into a magical hidden haven, filled with butterflies, a lily pond, and vibrant blooms. I’d sing to myself, pretending to be a maiden awaiting her Prince Charming. Inspired by the beauty of nature, bringing this vision to life on canvas felt effortless. I loved every moment of the process and am truly pleased with how it turned out.
Tale as Old as Time | 36 x 48 oil on canvas
Countless fantasy and romance films draw inspiration from the timeless story of Beauty and the Beast, a beloved classic across generations. In this piece, you can spot the silhouettes of Belle and the Beast dancing to the iconic song, Beauty and the Beast. The contrasting stormy shadows and warm light are intentional, subtly symbolizing the Beast's darkness and Belle’s inner warmth.
Coral Dreams and Mermaid Tales | 30 x 48 oil on canvas
I couldn’t create a fantasy collection without including a mermaid paradise—one where you might spot Nemo or feel like you’re swimming in Moana’s ocean. A follower even mentioned seeing a mother and child in the waters above, which brought me so much joy! Can you see them too?
Enchanted Forest | 48 x 48 oil on canvas
Nature has always been a profound inspiration for my artwork, and I vividly remember watching Sleeping Beauty as a child, captivated by the forest scene where Aurora and the prince dance to “Once Upon a Dream.” It’s such a joy to watch my daughter dance along to this scene whenever we watch Sleeping Beauty together. This collection is designed to offer an escape through art from the routines of daily life. There’s nothing more therapeutic than wandering through an enchanted forest and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.
Reflections of the Heart | 40 x 30 oil on canvas
Mulan has been a favorite of mine since childhood and remains so even today. Her story of defying cultural expectations to marry young, instead choosing a path of courage and resilience, stands out as one of the most powerful transformations in confidence and strength among Disney characters. Mulan's journey continues to inspire young women everywhere, resonating deeply across generations.
Somewhere over the Rainbow | 36 x 24 oil on canvas
The scene, where Dorothy longs for a brighter, kinder future, is one of the most moving moments in film history. This piece aims to inspire hope, reminding us that life is a precious gift. Despite the many hurdles and challenges we face, there's always the promise of a better tomorrow, somewhere over the rainbow.
Heart of the Wild | 40 x 40 oil on canvas
When I was a young child, I moved from San Diego to North Carolina, and my backyard went from a simple tropical lawn to a wooded retreat. I spent countless hours exploring the woods and wandering through the creek, finding it to be a therapeutic escape. Even now, I still love hiking in nature. I also asked my husband about his childhood escape, and he said it was "Jurassic Park." Others who have viewed this piece in person often mention seeing the jungle from The Jungle Book or the Forbidden Forest from Harry Potter. No matter what you perceive, this scene can resonate with many. If you look closely, you'll find a glowing silhouette of a heart illuminated by the moonlight touching the trees and the clearing.
I Believe in Fairies | 48 x 48 oil on canvas
Who wouldn’t want to believe in tiny magical creatures that leave coins under your pillow or sprinkle pixie dust so you can soar off to Neverland and never grow up? This piece builds on one I created over the summer that was called Magical Escape. It goes deeper in their world that is within a patch of glowing wildflowers where fairies are very active. Look closely, and you’ll notice powdered oil paint scattered like pixie dust. Aside from all of the whimsical meaning behind this piece, a deeper meaning is that you should never give up hope for what you believe!
Lost in Wonderland | 24 x 30 oil on canvas
I set out to create a whimsical, Tim Burton-inspired Wonderland. Look closely, and you’ll find hints of the Cheshire Cat’s colors, the Queen of Hearts, and the enchanting All in the Golden Afternoon flowers woven throughout.
Realm of Sugar Plum Dreams | 48 x 36 oil on canvas
This piece was inspired by the talented performers I had the pleasure of witnessing during the Cary Ballet Company rehearsal for The Nutcracker, which will be performed for the public on December 7th at the Fletcher theater. There will also be 7 shows the weekend 20th, 21st and 22nd at the Cary Arts Center.
I was graciously given a tour of Cary Ballet Company, where I saw dedicated parents preparing the vibrant and dynamic costumes for the show. I also had the opportunity to sit in on several rehearsals, and inspired by the music and the dancers’ movements. Did you know that the Sugar Plum Fairy represents hope, faith, courage and transformation? The Nutcracker is filled with so many inspirational themes, and I truly enjoyed creating this piece.🩰
