"I can change a thought or emotion by the slightest manipulation of clay or a bend of metal. I am drawn to the figure for its complexity and how I can portray human experiences.  I am also connected to nature and the relationship I have with animals and find fodder in my daily hikes with my dog through forests and swamps.  I capture energy and motion in my sculptures. Lincoln Fox was my mentor.  He has the ability to breathe life and motion into his works.  Working with him helped me to push the envelope, allowing my figures to become more life-like.

Humor is an important aspect in my life and work.  In a number of the sculptures I have focused on human weaknesses, such as in “Water Goddesses”, taking inspiration from the water aerobics girls.  They are larger than life clay busts of three older women.  In “Gossip girls” there are three women sitting on a wall in a very animated discussion.  There is the sculptures of “Happy, Joy and Free”, three sisters dancing that are cast in bronze.  I am connected to others through their weaknesses.  I have gone to the other end of the spectrum to portray idealized “character strengths” through a series of gods and goddesses. The inspiration comes with the warrior Athena for her wisdom, Hercules for his strength and perseverance, Artemis for her love of nature and animals and Venus for beauty and grace.  I have learned to cherish my humanness but also have found inspiration in the god/goddess series.

Sculpture gives me a resource to communicate and connect with people around me."

-Diana Shepherd