Meet the Artist | Nicole Sheppard

Nicole Sheppard

AVAU-L’IEU / DOWNSTREAM

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about the work you create?

Hi, my name is Nicole, I am a Jersey-based sculpture and installation based artist, I often work closely with my local surroundings to explore natural heritage, objecthood, social histories within my work.

Have you always been a creative?

Yes! I always really enjoyed arts & crafts as a child and was lucky to have family and teachers who encouraged creativity. I spent a lot of time in the garden making and experimenting, which turned into a love for creating natural dyes.

What inspires your work?

I'm often drawn to landscape, environment and liminal spaces. I am materially focussed and like to re-purpose objects in my work, in doing so, questioning our perceptions of object functionality and place.

How would you describe your style to someone seeing it for the first time?

That's a difficult question, I have no idea!

How does an idea usually develop into a finished piece for you?

I often research through materials, which heavily inform my work. However, the final outcome usually looks quite different to my first sketches.

Are there any themes, materials, or subjects you find yourself returning to?

I've recently been really fascinated by all things watery, puddles, ponds and water pumps have been a recurring theme in work over the last year. 

Are you currently working on anything new, or is there something you’re excited to explore next?

I recently took part in the KINO short film workshop, as part of the 13th Parish Film Festival and created a short-film, it was great fun!  I would love to lean more about audio/visual ways of presenting ideas.

Where can people see more of your work or support what you do?

For most frequent updates, you can follow my Instagram page @nicolel.sheppard or visit my website nicolesheppard.cargo.site