wendy-jane sheppard

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

Solo Exhibition; WENDY JANE SHEPPARD IN REVIEW
20 Years of artistic creativity
At Chapel Gallery Kalista, 92 Monbulk Road, Kalista, Vic, Phone 03 97553705
OPENING DRINKS AND WINTER WARMERS
SUNDAY 29TH AUGUST 2010 AT 2PM
From Aug 28th to Sept 19th 2010, Open Sat & Sun 11 am - 4.30pm

YARRA VALLEY OPEN STUDIO Wendy-Jane will have her studio open 17-19 September, 2010, 10am-5pm.
ALL WELCOME
for more info visit www.yvopenstudios.net.au

ARTWORKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THROUGH AND WENDY-JANE IS REPRESENTED BY:
REDGUM GALLERY
Cnr Maroondah Highway & VICTORIA RD, LILYDALE, VICTORIA
03 97394477
AMETHYST ART SPACE
www.amethystarts.com.au
0412513396

WENDY-JANE Sheppard also paints CLASSIC PORTRAITS OF DISTINCTION UNDERTAKEN THROUGH COMMISSION

Wendy Jane Sheppard B.A., F.R.S.A.S.A

Wendy-Jane Sheppard is an award winning artist of more than 20 years and also a Fellow of the prestigious Royal South Australian Society of Arts and member of AGRA and Ringwood Art Society.
Wendy-Jane Sheppard completed a Visual Arts degree with Honours at the University of South Australia in 2006 whilst maintaining a successful artistic career, as well as teaching fine art and organising special arts events.
Wendy-Jane Sheppard continues to attract acclaim and interest for her work and exhibits regularly in group and solo exhibitions in Melbourne and interstate.

Artist Statement; Wendy-Jane Sheppard

‘They (the animals) show themselves to me, and I cannot but respond, because I cannot turn away’. This statement from French philosopher Emmanuel Levinas, who wrote on philosophical ethics, is particularly pertinent and persuasive for me and is the foundation of my art practice where I undertake to critique the complex relationship between humans (Homo Urbanus) who are living in urban societies and other animals.

Animals are notable in my paintings by their conspicuous presence as they show themselves to the viewer. Through the language of painting, I undertake to synthesize
a visual lexicon of images, forms, and painting techniques so as to realize and convey a quiet and calm space to advance a sense of the reality of the animal who is depicted in my painting.

I endeavour to create an accessible in-between space that could also be described as a meditative openness of reflection, intuition and empathy that it may permit a time removed from our culturally constructed society, a society that predetermines and dictates attitudes and behaviour towards animals, which predominately are not beneficial towards the quality of life of these animals.

My art practice is grounded on many hours of intensive research into art and art techniques as well as philosophical ethics. My recent paintings have been founded on significant quotes from writings that have addressed my own personal philosophical view of life.

I hope that my intensity about animal life helps to create a psychological and intellectual space wherein the viewer may reflect on the real animal with empathy and compassion. I hope too that reflection may bring humans and other living beings with whom we share this planet- physically, intellectually and spiritually-closer to each other into a being of oneness.

"To be a Vegan is living my love for all beings each and everyday of my life" Wendy-Jane Sheppard 2002

LINKS; EDGAR'S MISSION, a farm sanctuary, www.edgarsmission.org.au

ANIMALS AUSTRALIA www.animalsaustralia.org

VEGETARIAN NETWORK VICTORIA www.vnv.org.au