Siobhan Barlow is a London-based fine artist, known for her distinctive approach to capturing the essence of animals through various mediums. A graduate of Gloucestershire University with a degree in Fine Art, Siobhan’s journey began in sculpture, but she later found her true artistic voice through charcoal, collage, and drypoint techniques. Her work reflects a deep connection with the natural world, informed by her neurodivergence, specifically her experiences with ADHD and autism, which heighten her sensitivity to form, texture, and emotion.

Siobhan’s animal portrait commissions, meticulously rendered in charcoal, offer a highly personal and detailed tribute to beloved pets or animals, capturing their unique essence with sensitivity and precision. In contrast, her fine art work allows for playful experimentation and creativity, blending collage, drypoint, and charcoal to explore abstract themes and concepts. This side of her practice is a space for artistic freedom, where she can push boundaries, embrace spontaneity, and express her personal narrative with a sense of adventure and curiosity.

Composed within circular frames, her animal portraits radiate a sense of calm and completeness. The circular form is central to her practice, offering a balance and focus that resonates deeply with her own sensory perceptions. Her use of charcoal enables a fluid and expressive approach, while collage allows her to explore spontaneity and contrast, blending fine art precision with playful experimentation. This juxtaposition of techniques creates a rich, layered narrative in her work, where detailed renderings meet bold, abstracted elements.

Art serves as a therapeutic medium for Siobhan, offering a space where she can process and explore her inner world. Diagnosed with autism later in life, she uses her practice to deepen her understanding of form and balance, particularly through her strong affinity with animals. Her work is not only a personal expression but also a way to communicate the unique perspectives that come with neurodiversity.

In addition to her own artistic endeavours, Siobhan is a passionate educator, teaching art to individuals with autism and ADHD. Through her guidance, she helps others discover the transformative and healing power of creative expression. Siobhan’s work continues to evolve, grounded in a deep emotional connection to animals and a desire to merge the worlds of fine art and personal discovery.