PARK CITY, Utah – On a brisk morning in Park City, artist Shel Pink glides through her spacious studio, a vibrant haven filled with canvases that seem to breathe life into the cold air. The walls are adorned with large, colorful paintings, layered with texture, movement, and emotion. Some canvases lean against the floor, unfinished yet brimming with potential, while others hang proudly, showcasing her unique artistic vision. Despite the chill, Pink is at home in this environment; she finds comfort in the juxtaposition of winter’s bite and the warmth that comes from a crackling fire and a steaming cup of tea. This sense of balance—between contrast and comfort—permeates Pink’s artwork. Having grown up in Michigan, where winter brought sledding and snow forts, she carries a nostalgic connection to the season. After spending three decades in the warmer climes of Los Angeles, returning to Utah has reignited her love for the snowy landscape. "Snow feels like home to me, especially when it’s paired with the warmth of a fire and a cup of tea," she reflects, highlighting how personal experiences shape her creative output. Pink’s artistic journey began at the University of Michigan, where she studied art history with a particular fascination for Japanese art and modern abstract movements. After completing her degree, her creative pursuits took various forms, including a significant period in color photography and a venture in the beauty industry, where she developed color palettes for a beauty care brand she founded. "Color was always there," Pink recalls, noting its persistent presence throughout her career, regardless of the medium. However, painting remained a constant thread in her life, albeit one that became intermittent as she navigated family life and career changes. It wasn’t until 2019, following a major life transition, that Pink fully re-embraced painting. This resurgence in her artistic practice birthed a series of striking large-scale works, notably The Density of Delight, an exploration of the tension between grounding and ethereal lightness. “The concept of delight feels ethereal, while density feels deep and rooted,” she explains. "I enjoy the challenge of holding both aspects simultaneously in my work." The series features pieces that extend up to 17 feet in length, employing a variety of materials including acrylic, oil, oil pastel, watercolor, charcoal, pencil, and ink—sometimes layered within a single canvas. The act of painting itself is a physical endeavor for Pink, who often immerses herself in the rhythm of the process, moving her entire body as she works while listening to a diverse mix of music, from jazz to blues. Currently, the soundtrack from Spike Lee’s Mo’ Better Blues has become a staple in her studio. Pink’s artistic influences are eclectic and far-reaching. She draws inspiration from prominent artists such as Joan Mitchell and Cy Twombly, while also embracing the mark-making traditions of Japanese scroll painting. This influence manifests subtly in her work through black ink gestures and a rhythmic quality that imbues her expressive brushstrokes with an underlying calm. "There’s a ritual and intentionality in Japanese art and architecture that really stayed with me," Pink notes. "I’m always trying to balance stillness and motion." This balance is also evident in her newer, unnamed series, which shifts toward more open space and restraint. While The Density of Delight builds layers through a process of repeated painting and erasure, the newer works intentionally incorporate breathing room, allowing white oil and pastel to emerge more prominently. One piece within this collection features handwritten text inspired by a fortune Pink received during a recent trip to Japan. She layered paint over the text, a practice she has maintained since childhood. "I write, rewrite, and overwrite until it becomes almost illegible," she says. "It’s about memory—what remains visible and what fades away." Pink’s earlier series, titled Her Abandonment, remains installed in her home and is not for sale. The title reflects an emotional theme she grapples with during her creative process. In contrast, several works from The Density of Delight have found new homes with collectors in Los Angeles, highlighting her growing recognition in the art community. Currently, Pink’s focus remains local and personal. Her studio is open by appointment, where she dedicates her days to painting, building inventory, and listening closely—to music, to memories, and to the dynamic dialogue between color and form. "I want people to experience the work however they experience it," she emphasizes. "There’s a lot of energy in my pieces, but also a meditative quality. Both can coexist." In the vibrant space of her Park City studio, Shel Pink embodies this coexistence, creating art that resonates with the profound balance of movement and stillness, inviting viewers to explore their own interpretations and emotional responses.