Interview with David Sheppard (DS) on publishing his new book Gasping, Inhaling and Other States of Being: The Art of Dave Sheppard by Phil Anderson (PA)
David Sheppard. Photo: David Brown
PA: What made you decide to publish a book on your art?
DS: The book is something that I had wanted to do for a long time. With life and work distractions I hadn’t been as active with my art as I would have liked to be. My work situation changed so I decided to use the time to finally put the book together and consider an encapsulation of my artwork (and life) up to this point.
I also feel that it is important for artists to put things out physically. Websites and social media change and die. Books – much like paintings and drawings – live a life beyond you and keep being rediscovered over and over again.
The book covers of Gasping, Inhaling and Other States of Being: The Art of Dave Sheppard, Gasping to Let the Blood Take it Through, (detail), 2008, oil on canvas, 32″ x 36″ (front cover); The Aquarium (detail), 2011, oil on canvas (back cover)
PA: What kind of challenges did you face putting together this book?
DS: The artwork goes back 24 years so technology and record keeping had changed greatly over the years. Thankfully, I always was a bit obsessive about documenting my artwork before it sold and found a new home. This meant that I did have most of the oldest work as slides and colour copies that I had to scan and create a new high res digital file.
The Pressures of being Brilliant, 2001, Lithography, 9″ x 13″
PA: How would describe your art practice?
DS: Neglected. Unless you count making, promoting and distributing a self-published book an art practice. When things quiet down I hope to make some new artworks which are typically paintings and drawings for local shows.
PA: What inspires your art work?
DS: Personal experience filtered through a surrealist lens is probably the best description. Themes of psychological and emotional conditions as expressed through the body and anamorphic metaphors.
Study of An Affection, 2010, watercolour, 10″ x 20″
PA: Has there been any significant changes in your art work since studying at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook?
DS: My second semester of my fourth year is when I started to do the sort of work I have done since. The only real change is I focused on printmaking while in college and self-taught myself how to paint after graduating. I still make print works whenever possible.
The Black Moor, 2017, Drypoint Intaglio, 5″ x 7″
PA: Who do you expect to buy your book?
DS: I’ve learned to never expect anything when working in the arts. The best I can hope for is someone discovers my art because of the book rather than someone who is already a fan, friend or family (whom I have always been very grateful for their support). Putting myself into venues that have never shown my art and hopefully finding a new audience.
PA: What do you think people will get from your book?
DS: It seems to me that anyone who takes interest in the visual arts (and arts in general) is ultimately searching for the same thing; kindred spirits, emotional and intellectual connections and empathy.
Blood in the Snow, 2011, oil on canvas, 28″ x 34″
PA: What is next for you? Another book?
DS: I do have another book scheduled to come out in the Fall. It is of another completely different body of artwork and will be through a publisher this time.
PA: Where can people get your book?
DS: The book is available in hardcover and softcover through Amazon. It is also available locally in Toronto at these fine merchants: Nerdgasm, 1652 Queen St. West, Eyesore Cinema, 1176 Bloor St. West, Northern Contemporary, 420 Roncesvalles, West End Comics, 1716 Queen St. West, The Negative Zone, 2247 Dundas St. West, The Beguiling, 319 College St., Sonic Boom, 215 Spadina Ave, Neurotica Records, 567 College St.