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Gerald Shepherd F.F.P.S.
I am interested in using the creation of art as a philosophical and experimental tool as well as presenting a more holistic portrayal of the natural world. I use a combination of controlling structure, either schematic or spontaneous, and various types of evolving image sequences to explore a particular idea and my responses to it. Currently my creative output takes the form of a number of painting and drawing styles. However, in the past I have been involved with performance art, environmental constructions, sculpture/assemblages and conceptual art in numerous manifestations
When I began painting in 1974, I experimented with many styles. These included surrealistic paintings, abstracts, sculptures, assemblages, environments and text based art - many of which I have continued to explore. I also produce a wide range of conventional figurative work.
From the beginning I wanted to find a means of continuous creation in my work and in 1976 I evolved a style that enabled me to maximise and test my inventive ability. I began to experiment with sequential and developmental formats that allow a systematic analysis and elaboration of a thematic image or idea. I also began to combine images, symbols, numbers and words with controlling structures derived from science and mathematics.
With tongue in cheek I coined the term IONIST ART for this work.
I have since used the more descriptive term of MEDITATIVE PROCESS ART for this very complex work. In the Eighties I began to use music forms as structures for my work and also became fascinated with merging painting with writing and theatrical ideas - setting poetry to paintings, image dramas and performance pieces, etc.
I am also producing a long series of MEDITATIVE LANDSCAPES, STILL LIFES & PORTRAITS. This work combines observation with the systems, image sequences and symbols developed in my other work. The landscapes etc. attempt a more holistic representation of the natural world and the portraits attempt the characterisation of a person using colours, symbols and signs.
I founded the pioneering IONIST ART GROUP in 1987 to bring together artists and scientists. In the Nineties I organised art events of all kinds to campaign and raise funds for wildlife conservation. I also initiated a long running series of modern art exhibitions in my local area to promote a wider interest in contemporary art.
Group Shows:
Coracle, London
Gloucester Museum & Art Gallery
St Peter's Art Centre, Marlborough
Loggia Gallery, London
Boxfield Gallery, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre
Letchworth Museum & Art Gallery
Fairfields Hall, Croydon
Lauderdale House, Highgate
West End Centre, Aldershot
The Guildhall, Andover
Bourne Hall, Ewell
Argile Gallery, London
The Main Gallery, Salisbury Library
Guildhall Gallery, Winchester
Godalming Museum
Haslemere Museum
Watford Library
Stanmore Library
The Hexagon, Reading
Marlborough Library
G.E.C. Management College, Dunchurch
Chelsea & Westminster Hospital
92 High Street Gallery, Andover
Town Hall, Marlborough
Westminster Hall, London
Mount House Gallery, Marlborough
Jelly Leg'd Chicken Arts Centre, Reading
Hearn & Scott Gallery, Andover
White Horse Gallery, Marlborough
Cottons Atrium, London
Weyhill Fairground Arts Centre
New Art Centre, Chatham
Art Shed, New Milton
Osterley House, London
Gallery 92, New Milton
Blythe Gallery, Manchester
Bankside Gallery, London
Solo Shows:
Oval House, London
Bajazzo Gallery, Marlborough
Redgrave Theatre, Farnham
Bournemouth & Poole College of Art & Design
Dance Attic Studios, London
University Of Surrey, Guildford
Loggia gallery, London
Oxford Polytechnic
Boxfield Gallery, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre
Central Studios Arts Centre, Basingstoke
The Athenaeum Arts Centre, Warminster
Trowbridge Civic Hall
Harvey Road Gallery, Guildford
The Hexagon, Reading
Marlborough Library
Andover Library
Forest Arts, New Milton
Courtyard Cafe Gallery, Winchester
Black Swan Arts, Frome
Hearn & Scott Gallery, Andover
Newbury Corn Exchange
White Horse Gallery, Marlborough
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