Diana Shepherd was born and spent her childhood in California.  When she entered her preteen years she moved with her mother and younger siblings to a rural Alaskan community.  Spending the next 32 years in Alaska, Shepherd developed a love for nature and wildlife. Artistic expression became an important force in her life.  In Alaska she learned stained glass and opened a glass shop where she did commission work, retailed glass and supplies and taught classes.  She did commission work for residential construction, which was booming through the early to mid 1980’s.  Her largest projects included two years of designing and installing 18 custom windows for St. Andrews Catholic Church in Eagle River, Alaska, and a commission for the Episcopal Church, also in Eagle River.  Shepherd attended University of Anchorage Alaska focusing on ceramics.  

Shepherd and her husband relocated in New Mexico. While living in New Mexico she studied the human figure in Alison Aragon’s studio, working with clay and plasticine, from 2002- 2007.  She attended several week-long workshops at the Scottsdale Art Institute.  The workshops provided her an opportunity to work with prominent sculptural artists such as Lincoln Fox, Bruno and Ann Luchessi and Jane Kelsey-Maple.

In 2008 Shepherd and her husband moved to Suwon, S. Korea. While living there Shepherd had the opportunity to work with artists.  In 2010 she exhibited in “Five People’s Colors” show at the Sposabella gallery in Cheonon.  While living in Korea, Shepherd traveled throughout East and Southeast Asia.  She spent time in Beijing, visiting the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Jade Factory.  She also visited Xi’an China to see the terra cotta warriors. Numerous trips took her to Thailand, Viet Nam and Bali, where she focused on the art of various cultures.

In 2011 Shepherd moved to the Jacksonville, Florida area. She found studio space at Dixie Pottery and joined Saint Augustine Arts Association and entered her work in numerous juried shows.  She received many awards including a “Best in Show” in an honors show.  As a member of the Jacksonville Coalition of Visual Arts she also won prestigious awards.  In St. Augustine Shepherd also taught classes and workshops.  She applied to the University of North Florida and was accepted into the sculpture program, studying under Jenny Hagar and Lance Vickery. Currently Shepherd resides in Green Cove Springs exploring Florida’s natural habitat, in the forests and swamps near her home.  She is dedicated to making art and continuing her education.