Shelley Atwood
"From mountains to fossils, cholla to ocotillo, fangs to tusks, and quills to claws, the high desert's ancient wisdom guides my hands, materializing in adornments that revere the untamed splendor of my adopted home. In each piece of jewelry I create, I seek to capture the essence of the wild, imbuing it with a timeless beauty that speaks to the enduring spirit of the high desert."
A native of Wisconsin, Shelley has found her muse in the high desert where she now makes her home. 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. Her creative process is a sensory and organic experience, rather than a conceptual or structured one. 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.
Primarily focused on polymer clay, Shelley utilizes a vast library of original texture plates, silk screens, molds, templates, and natural elements to create works that are both visually and physically tactile. Her signature style embodies the muted colors and textures of the arid high desert. With a deep reverence for the natural world, Shelley re-imagines natural flora and fauna into polymer clay and complements them with element of the natural world. Taking shapes, lines, and forms from nature, she creates unified works that celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world. In essence, Shelley's artistic process is a dialogue between her own artistic vision and the raw materials she encounters. Through her skillful manipulation of polymer clay, she is able to capture the essence of the natural world, translating its beauty and complexity into wearable works of art.
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 beauty and 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. 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.
A native of Wisconsin, Shelley has found her muse in the high desert where she now makes her home. 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. Her creative process is a sensory and organic experience, rather than a conceptual or structured one. 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.
Primarily focused on polymer clay, Shelley utilizes a vast library of original texture plates, silk screens, molds, templates, and natural elements to create works that are both visually and physically tactile. Her signature style embodies the muted colors and textures of the arid high desert. With a deep reverence for the natural world, Shelley re-imagines natural flora and fauna into polymer clay and complements them with element of the natural world. Taking shapes, lines, and forms from nature, she creates unified works that celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world. In essence, Shelley's artistic process is a dialogue between her own artistic vision and the raw materials she encounters. Through her skillful manipulation of polymer clay, she is able to capture the essence of the natural world, translating its beauty and complexity into wearable works of art.
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 beauty and 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. 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.
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