A native of Wisconsin, Shelley has found her muse in the high desert where she's made her home for the past 20 years. Its stark beauty and elemental power have shaped her creative vision.

Shelley's work is characterized by its bold textures, clear definition, and evocative imagery. She draws inspiration from ethnic and paleo-archaic art, incorporating strong pre-Columbian and tribal influences. Her work channels the enchanting wild of the natural world.

The creative process is a sensory and organic experience, rather than a conceptual or structured one for Shelley. She begins with a half-formed idea, allowing the process to guide her as she works.

The power of the desert to inspire and captivate is reflected in Shelley’s work. Her work invites viewers to contemplate the desert's enduring presence and its impact on the human spirit.

Nurtured by her creative parents, Shelley's artistic journey began in childhood. As an adult, she embarked on an exploration of various art forms, ultimately drawn to the limitless possibilities of polymer clay.

A serendipitous encounter with a tiny newspaper advertisement for a colorful clay led her to a weekend introductory class. This class ignited a passion that would forever alter the course of her artistic journey. Determined to master the medium, Shelley immersed herself in the world of polymer clay, devouring the only available book on the subject at the time.

After several years of dedicated self-study, she sought out guidance that resonated with her artistic vision. This led her to the late Gwen Gibson's workshop, "Romancing the Clay in the South of France." Inspired by Gibson's teachings, Shelley joined the Houston Polymer Clay Guild and became the training coordinator, eagerly inviting polymer clay pioneers to share their techniques.

Today, she continues to share her passion for polymer clay, teaching individuals and groups online via Zoom.

 

In addition to Big Bend Gallery, Shelley's work is also available on the Artful Home website https://www.artfulhome.com/artist/Shelley-Atwood/9638 and she often sells pieces via her Instagram page (http://www.instagram.com/shelleyatwood). A portfolio of older pieces can be found on her website https://shelleyatwood.wordpress.com/ Her work can be found in private collections around the US, Canada, and Europe.