shepley designs

2012-01-15T08:20:00.000-08:00

monoprint/surface design workshop

I am in the process of writing up a flyer for late winter/early spring classes.

The focus will be monoprinting and creating surface design. The latter refers to building up surfaces that can be, then "underpaintings" or a background for a print. Either way, this class is designed to appeal to painters and printmakers alike as well as to the individual who simply loves to play with color and texture.

2012-01-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

Gallery 302 monoprint workshop.

I offered a monoprint workshop at Gallery 302 ( a cooperative Gallery in Bridgton, Maine http://www.gallery302.org/)) as part of their Winter series classes. They have nestled off a corner in back of the gallery- It is an excellent space for teaching and part of the proceeds go the gallery itself. Check it out!!; very warm and inviting. There were 5 of us monoprinting with Akua Inks. very fun and a great antedote to a chilly january day !

2012-01-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

pages for the Sketch book project

2012-01-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

I have been working on putting together images for the Sketch Book project which is sponsored by the Brooklyn Art musuem and tours nationally. There will be an opening at Space Gallery in April ( Congree st. Portland, Maine) of a compilation of sketch books. In mine, I used monoprints and transfer images to create my pages loosely based on Thomas Merton's book THE BOOK OF HOURS and his concept of "Le temps vierge".An experience of time which is both full and empty."nowhereness in the middle of movement, a point of nothingness in the midst of being"- It is a time of openness to everything just as it is.

2011-11-15T08:15:00.000-08:00

These are images of some new work. Monoprints and collage with transparent papers. A friend came to "play" in my studio a few weeks ago. I wanted to create some fresh, new pieces that were loose, fast and coming from a place of "non-attachment"-what a feat for an artist such as myself. I cut out 8"x8" squares of Italian drawing paper, and starting furiously painting /collaging, stamping, frisket etc.. I have created many many pieces, but as I remind myself, If I love a few ,that is a gift. I decided to incorporate the raven in all -"She knows" would be the title to these images. Also, I was in portland the other day and noticed some ginko trees. I collected many leaves and have been printing with them. OH, I doubt I would ever get tired of that shape. so the work evolves...ginkos and raven.

2011-08-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

These images represent new work created for a one woman show at the Deertrees Theatre in Harrison Maine Summer of 2011. The title of the show is "Liminal" referring to a state of feeling in between. They are are mixed media pieces, monoprints with collograph and silkscreen along with transfer papers. I have enjoyed the process of collaging these pieces and the work continues to evolve as I prepare for new shows in the fall. This was a successful showing of work for me culminating in 7 sold prints. I love the dreamy, transparent feel of the monoprints using Akua inks which are soy based, non toxic inks.

new jewelry designs

2011-04-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

I started making jewelry (again) as a fundraiser for a trip to China this April.

They are made out of mat board and covered with handmade as well as Japanese screen rpinted papers. All the "parts" are cold connected with gold or silver wire, all ear findings are gold filled or sterling silver. Very light weight and affordable- waerable art!

2010-11-14T17:18:00.000-08:00

These "Illuminated" cards were created for a sacred arts project for the Chaplaincy Institute of Maine where I am a second year student. (www.chimeofmaine.org); They are postcard size and include silkscreen, collographs, sewing with gold thread, and collage with transparency papers. I print the text onto label paper. These images represent 1/4 of what I have created for this project- of corse, I keep sending them off to people- which keeps me creating more.

2010-11-14T16:52:00.000-08:00

Images from a Book arts class I taught this saturday in Norway, Me. at the Commons Art collective. A wonderful group of women who created gorgeous book altars...

2010-02-28T08:42:00.000-08:00

2010-02-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

BOOK ARTS CLASS
Saturday, March 27th -9:30-4:00
Commons Art Collective, Norway,Me

We will create a four paneled Book, which contains two signatures inside. Time will be spent embellishing papers with simple printmaking techniques, and the use of transparent papers. A simple book form, but plenty of materials provided to embellish. Focus on form as well as design. No experience is necessary and all materials provided. Cost $68-for the day, a deposit of $20- holds space. Limited to 10 participants.
FMI and to send deposit by March 16th:
Sarah Shepley 213 Halls Pond rd. South Paris, Me. 04281
s.shepley@roadrunner.com; www.shepleydesigns.com;
207-743-0167-207-890-4960

2010-01-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

2010-01-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

2010-01-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

My work has been shifting since the late summer. I took a Book Arts week-long intensive through USM and ( ironically) fell in love with printmaking in a whole new way. I am finding it harder to return to the "old way" of working. I have been orienting my art toward the wall in triptychs and long hanging "panels". I am also taking a weekly chinese calligraphy class, which I love;I find that creeping into my designs as well. keep checkig for new images becaue that is what truly speaks.

2009-08-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

Sarah is teaching this Coming September through the Castine Art association.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH 9:30-3:30
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CASTINE, ME.
for more information, please contact Eve Swertka at stwertka@att.netor 207-469-2455.
Participants will create a "hinged box" with a signature style book inside.
these recent images posted on the blog exemplify the style of book this workshop will teach.
for any questions pertaining to style, design or other elelments of the class, contact Sarah 207-743-0167 or sarah@shepleydesigns.com;

2009-04-01T17:34:00.002-07:00

2009-04-01T17:34:00.001-07:00

2009-04-01T17:33:00.002-07:00

2009-04-01T17:33:00.001-07:00

2009-04-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

2009-04-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

2009-04-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a few examples of some new work. I am getting ready to send spring orders out by mid May. I have been designing my own papers using paste paper, almost exclusively. I enjoy the affordabliity of the purchasing papers this way and LOVE the designing aspect. The books have a different feel to them , and I am using more silkscreen/collographs in my pieces.Let me know what you think.

2009-03-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

Images from the "Hinged Box" class I taught here in Norway last weekend.

2009-03-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

this is an example of the "hinged Box" design I have been working on this winter. This one sold very soon after I put it in Gallery 302 in Bridgton,Me. A cooperative gallery that I have recently joined.

starting a new season

2009-03-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

The cycles of the seasons offer different rhythms and opportunities to deepen into work. This winter, I taught a book altar class in South Bristol. I love to opportunity to teach as It inspires me to create exciting paste paper designs as well as new twists on old styles. I taught a "prototype" class here in Norway to 7 willing students. We created a "hinged box". I am not sure this class will do for a one day. Back to the drawing board.

Now,I am getting ready to fill galleries with new designs for the upcoming 2009 summer.