By Michelle Ventress

Sacramento may not be known for its impressive art scene, but there are plenty of opportunities for local artists to shine. The following is an interview with up and coming local artist, Jim Shepherd. Jim received his BA from Sacramento State in Studio Art and creates art in his little apartment in Midtown. He drinks coffee in the morning and enjoys riding his bike through the streets at night. He is beginning to see art in everything. To contact Jim about his work, please call (916) 396-4981.

CBSSacramento.com: What is your favorite medium to work with?
Jim Shepherd: I like working with all sorts of media but I find drawing and painting with acrylics allow me to work the best. I am able to focus on the composition more in my drawings and when I paint with acrylics, I can easily make changes as I see fit.

CBSSacramento.com: How long have you been drawing and painting?
JS: I’ve been interested in drawing since I was a little kid and it just slowly grew. In high school, I was drawing pictures for friends and taking art classes, which continued on into college. I graduated from Sac State with my degree in Studio Art and want to eventually head to New York to further my studies.

CBSSacramento.com: What do you like most about what you do?
JS: I enjoy doing something that can bring a level of happiness to another. I’ve done pieces and written things that have brought a handful of individuals to tears and I think that is very validating. It gives me a sense of pride to know I created something that, if for even a short while, moved another.

CBSSacramento.com: Where could we find your work displayed?
JS: I currently have some work on display at Slice of Broadway located on 2424 16th Street. I regularly show art with VOX, a Sacramento based non-profit group located at 1818 11th Street, and also have
shows once in a while on Second Saturdays.

CBSSacramento.com.: What is your favorite artwork?
JS: Why? It’s hard to pinpoint my favorite. I love the work by Alphonse Mucha, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and the late Lucian Freud. I’m a fan of Jeff Soto, ARYZ, David Choe, Paul Pope, and Rafael Grampa. I also enjoy contemporary art because it makes me question my definition of art and also breaks the boundaries of what art can be.

CBSSacramento.com. What role do you believe artists have in society?
JS: I think art is reflexive. Art is the individual’s interpretation of the world around them and I think one’s creation of a piece of art has the potential to change that world. I believe there is power in images and in the creation of those images. I think it is not simply the art that has power however. I feel that power comes from the context of where a piece of art comes from. For example, what the artist went through to produce a piece. And it’s not simply a painting I’m talking about here. Dancers, writers,
poets, cooks, singers are included in this too. I think it is in that obsession to create something where
the power of art exists.

CBSSacramento.com. What is your dream project?
JS: I’m currently trying to plan and organize an art show for the blind. It began with the question, “how do the blind dream?” and has since evolved into a question of “how do the blind experience art?” We are not allowed to touch most art on display and have nothing to rely on but our sight, so how does one who has no sight experience a painting or a sculpture? I’m trying to gather artists to ask them this question and then asking them to create a piece of art that is meant to be touched, an emphasis on feel and neglectful of aesthetic. I’m eager to see what could be created!

CBSSacramento.com: What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
JS: Don’t stop.

Michelle Ventress is a freelance editor and writer who lives in Sacramento with her husband and their
two dogs. When not writing, Michelle enjoys traveling, gardening and spending time with her family.