Artist Spotlight: Casey Sheppard
Mechanical. Post-Apocalyptic. Raw.
These aren't typical words that come to mind when describing jewelry, but Casey Sheppard's jewelry is far from typical.
With names like "I Have a Golden Ticket", "Crazy Pantz" and "Tri-My-Pod", each design has a unique personality and a story to tell. Sheppard does not always know what each piece will be when she begins working. "I start with an idea," she says, "and it evolves. I have to let the metal do what it wants. It comes to life as it evolves and I bond with it." It is not until after a piece is complete that she truly knows what it is and can give it its own name.
Sheppard uses mainly copper, sterling and brass in her pieces. Every element of each piece is made completely by hand using a variety of metal techniques such as soldering, cold connection, repousse, and forging. Every piece is one of a kind, and it's easy to see by looking at them that each is made with vast amounts of passion and care.
Sheppard says her style was refined by her method of using scraps of metal. She tries to use every piece of material, saying the challenge comes in "figuring out what you can do with it all". She cites Tim Burton and the 1927 film Metropolis as her inspiration. When studying the patterns, textures, and depth of Burton's work and the "gadgety" futuristic look of Metropolis Sheppard says she realized that "It doesn't matter what story you're telling, as long as you tell it your way" you will be successful.
Completely self taught, Sheppard got her start in jewelry working as an assistant for artist Sydney Lynch when she moved back to Lincoln after a career in the fashion business in New York. For a long time Sheppard worked out of her basement and feels very fortunate to now be located in the Parrish Studios. The studio is the perfect place for her to work and create and also serves as a place for clients to come in and see things for themselves. Sheppard feels grateful for the support of the Lincoln community. She especially credits Jim Stevens, owner of the Parrish Building, and her client base at Dish restaurant where she works as a server.
"Everyone supports everyone else," says Sheppard of the Lincoln arts community. She commented on how the Lincoln art scene is really thriving and feels it is a "fantastic place to live and be an artist". As for the future however, Sheppard hopes to become known nationally and bring her work to galleries across the country. She also hopes to expand her business into other types of metalsmithing including functional and sculptural art.
If you're interested in Sheppard's one of a kind, wearable art there are many chances to see it in upcoming months. On December 9 her work will be shown at Dish Restaurant, December 16 you can visit her at the Parrish Studios Holiday Open House, she will be featured in an exhibition at the LUX Center for the Arts in January, and at the Fred Simon Gallery in Omaha in February.
To see more of Casey Sheppard's work, visit caseyshepparddesigns.com.
