Sheppard was born in London, Ontario in 1985. After completion of H.B Beal's Special Art Vocational Program, She relocated to Courtenay, BC and completed her fine arts diploma at North Island College. Soon after, Emily enrolled in Emily Carr's external degree program. 3 years later Sheppard moved once again, to the mainland and have lived all over Vancouver to complete her BFA at ECUAD.
Sheppard's work is fueled by a determination to push materials into realms they are not habitually used in. Often, traditional craft methods & practices are woven with new materials & provoke unconventional manipulations. Whether in Painting, Printmaking, Sculpting, Sewing, Performance, Drawing and many others. Her work is always dedicated to investigating the impact of material on the viewer and the history behind its use and traditions
>>>> Her work expresses themes of the body's implications with materials and the aftermath of creative manipulation. Sheppard claims she loves gaining skill producing seemingly useless objects. The reflection this has within her philosophies around society today and the human condition is more than evident.
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THE 24 HOUR PROJECT::::::::::::
"The 24 Artists/ 24 Hours project" is a annual show curated and coordinated by Sheppard to highlight local emerging and established artists and their ability to use art as a weapon to help the community. In creating this show in the spring of 2009 Sheppard's team of collaborative efforts helped raise funds to support the Downtown East Side Center for the Arts programing. It also helped to allow a diverse group of people, establish a platform for discussion and the ability to generate new projects together. The event was such a success that it has become an annual event. Varying artists of all different backgrounds and skill levels working together creates an immensely fertile playground for work making.
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ONGOING }}}}}
Sheppard is currently working in in conjunction with various private galleries to promote exhibit and represent artists in the city. Her only goal is to maintain a richness in her life through art and friendship. The city of Vancouver is cold in the winter and challenging for new artists. Creating a supportive network of people is essential in art and life
The Vancouver UnderGround Fashion Show 2011
http://www.ugfashionshow.yolasite.com
The 2nd annual UnderGround Fashion show was a tremendous success showcasing 10 local talented designers who work creating garments that are new and exciting. Directed by Emily Sheppard and hosted by The Fall Tattoo/ Artists Gallery, this event was a smash hit. Stepping into the Fall this year, with the right foot forward. Over 200 people squeezed into the fall to celelbrate unique designs by emerging and established designers.
After taking over as Curator at the Fall Emily Sheppard has started to work in conjunction with other artists to really push through some of the barriers in regards to showcasing works here in Vancouver. Her aim is to broaden the scope of materials showcased inside the gallery. Enabling a platform for discussion which is open to artists of all backgrounds and mediums. "...we need each other to survive in a city like this..." Sheppard is remarked after the show. "I had a blast and am so thankful for my fellow artists, the number of people who approached me after the show and expressed how inspired they were, was pay off enough for me! I am so fortunate to be able to set something like this in motion."-Sheppard
Will there be another UG Fashion show ? Contact UG Fashion online at vanundergroundfashion@live.ca for more information, suggestions or submissions.
