In January 2016, I travled to Otavalo Ecudaor  to live and attend language  school through Ailola Quito spanish  school.
www.ailolaquito.com/
The school has two locations , one in Quito, the other in Otavalo. 
I had an amazing experience and really enjoyed my teacher,Elizabeth . 
The school was conveniently located in the small city of Otavalo
 and situated  down the street from where I was staying ( Hotel Riviera-Sucre).
 The staff were helpful in making recommendations for transportation and accommodation
 once leaving Otavalo for Quito. 
I learned a lot during my studies through the school  time and found the instructor very flexible with her time
 and willing to show me around the area as part of our study together . 
We split the time between classroom study and practicing conversation
 while traveling to beautiful spots outlying the city.
 Below are photos of my adventures. I would highly recommend the school 
as a rewarding part of any travel experience . 
Being a part of the school truly enhanced my experience in Ecuador
 as I had daily support in practicing  the language, 
was exposed to places I might not  find on my own.
 and general support with common traveler -type questions and challenges. I felt very supported !   

   

These 5"x7" cards are monoprints using geli plates and open acrylic paints. I am creating them to sell at the USM Book arts bazaar in Portland Maine Sunday April 10th . The proceeds will go to raise money for the Fundación Bolivar in Cuenca Ecuador. I plan to volunteer next January 2017 making art at a Girls Orphanage.

In January, I travled to Ecaudor and  Columbia to
explore the areas of Otavalo ( a small city in northern Ecuador and Medellín ( large city in Columbia) . I traveled alone , studied spanish and hiked in Otavalo, then joined my daughter in Medellin for ten days. I    painted and journaled  everyday. Here are some excerpts from my sketch book . The colors, textures and shapes surrounding me all found their way into my journals both written and visual. I returned home inspired and committed to return .

When I returned from South America this January 2016, I began a series of monoprint  cards to sell in order to raise funds to purchase  Art supplies for a girl's orphanage in Ecuador. .

Last September( 2015)  I was commissioned to create a body of  art for a GIFT weekend in Austin Texas( www.shematrix.com).  These "Goddesses" were inspired by my love of the work that Shematrix offers the world as well as for each woman showing up for the weekend. Creating the pieces was like a morning prayer, focusing on the women who would be present at the gathering . The pieces are 9"x14" and are mono prints/collage. 

 On June 13th, 2015 I am looking forward to teaching a Prayer Book session. This is a private session, but I will be continuing to teach the Lotus Fold and Prayer Books throughout the year. Please contact me for more information or if you would like to book a private studio session.

I will be teaching a Lotus Fold Book Class June 15th 9:30-4:00  at the Center for Ecology-Based Economy (formerly Commons Art Collective- adjascent to the Fare Share Market, Main St. Norway)

we will embellish our papers using a variety of techniques, and then use our papers in the creation of our books. No experience necessary, all materials included. $80- for the day, send $40- to secure your spot. Sarah Shepley 213 Halls Pond Rd. South Paris, ME 04281

I have been printmaking with some friends this winter . Without the usual flora available to print with , I  am using other texture.

new work

A few sketches I have done this winter- They speak to an underlayer of experience  brought forward  through the creative process. I recently read Immortal Diamond by Richard Rohr and loved this passage:"Without new symbols, which are someitmes also words, unconscious meanings never break through to consciousness, and the invisible has no way of becoming visible...we do not experience our experiences".
I wrote recently: "my art acts as a "winch", pulling up the bucket of water from the well ".

Recent images ( June 2012) of new work. Monoprints using gold foils and transfer paper. I am doing a show with encaustic artist Anne Bernard at the Maclaughlin Gardens ( South Paris,Me.) during the month of August. The  Opening will be Friday  August 10th. I am planning to  exhibit a few pieces at the
"Peace through Service" art show and auction  held  August 17th at Deertrees theatre in Harrison , Me. I ran into Joyce Mastro from Hole  in the Wall studio and Gallery recently- She expressed interest in me bringing a few pieces to the gallery later in July.

New Designs of 2012 season.
Since Feb. of 2011, I have been monoprinting everyday using the Akua Inks. Many of the papers I am using to cover my books are handprinted designs (mostly) using natural forms placed  right on the plate. Vinca, Rhododendron, Ginkgo, Wild Ginger are to name a few of the flora - My husband owns Halls Pond Gardens ( http://www.hallspondgardens.blogspot.com/) so, I  am fortunate to have ample supply of plants from which to print with.

 I am moving  away fom commercial papers in  my bookmaking. With the use of monoprints, paste paper and  silkscreen , I have a lot  to choose from  of my own creations -and I reallly enjoy the process. Designer at heart. The books designs remain simple , most containing poetry inside.

A small book-The  paper is a mohawk superfine that has been monoprinted using Akua (soy based) inks. I have used vinca leaves in the design of this paper. Inside is a small book with the poem "Theives" by Mark Nepo ( ...."it's the insidious virtue to have everything in order before we live that is the greates thief....")

Sunday April 1st was the Book Arts Bazzar at the Wishcamper center in Portland. An event in celebration of book makers, artists etc. very fun and inspiring .I sold a few books and a lot of my decorative papers ( monoprinted, paste paper design, silkscreened).

                                    WISDOM BOX PROJECT
I have been a companion at the Center  for Wisdom's Women since the fall of 2011.
My involvement started out as an internship for the Chapliancy Institute of Maine ( ChIMEofmaine.org) from which I was recently ordained as an Interfaith minister. Companioning the women and being a  part of the center has been a rewarding experience,  so I have stayed on as a volunteer.

Last summer ( 2011), we had to temporarily leave  our space as it was being renovated. We wanted to come up with a creative project that was simple and portable for the women while we were in transition. I suggested painting & decorating matchboxes and inserting prayers ( poems , blessings and inspirational sayings) into the box - after taking the matches out. It became popular with many of the women- actually "soothing" and "meditative" as some of the women have reflected. We have called them "Wisdom boxes" and continue to sell them as a fundraiser for the center ( http://www.wisdomswomen.org/).