We were lucky to catch up with Shelley Heffler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shelley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I am currently engaged in a profoundly meaningful project, involving a substantial commission to install 30 art pieces in a New York office lobby. The significance of this project resonates deeply with me as it represents a breakthrough in my pursuit of public art. Despite previous unsuccessful proposals, this endeavor is a testament to my persistence and dedication.

The art pieces I’m creating for this project are sculptural suspended pieces crafted from repurposed vinyl street banners. Each piece carries the essence of my environmental concerns and delves into the exploration of what we leave behind on this planet. This theme holds a special place in my artistic expression.

The journey to this project took an interesting turn during my participation in the Reno International Art Fair. While mingling with fellow exhibitors, I had the pleasure of meeting George Billis from the George Billis Gallery in Los Angeles and New York. Engaging in conversation about his ongoing project, he took a keen interest in my work. Subsequently, he shared images with his client, who enthusiastically embraced my creations due to their alignment with sustainable ideals.

This project is a dream come true for me, as creating public art has always been a significant artistic goal. The opportunity not only allows me to showcase my sculptures but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability, reflecting a shared philosophy with the client. I am beyond thrilled about this collaboration and the chance to bring my artistic vision to a broader audience.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As an artist, I am deeply concerned about the impact that human consumption and waste have on our environment. My work centers around the transformation of discarded vinyl advertising banners into works of art that reveal a connection between our consumption habits and the environmental waste we leave behind.

Each banner holds its own cultural history and significance, and my goal is to capture and communicate that history through my art. Using meticulous hand-cutting techniques, I fracture the initial image of the banner, disrupting its central intent and repurposing it into something new. The colors and shapes of the banners are sorted and brought together to create weavings, collages, or three-dimensional wall sculptures. The final piece often bears little resemblance to the original banner, having been transformed into a complex abstract shape with a unique color scheme.

Through my art, I strive to promote awareness, provoke dialogue, and inspire action. I believe that art has the power to transcend language and cultural barriers, and can communicate complex issues in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking. My hope is that my art will encourage viewers to reflect on their own consumption habits and consider the impact of their actions on the environment.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding facet of being an artist lies in the profound joy and fulfillment derived from sharing my creations with an audience. Art, to me, transcends mere self-expression; it becomes a means of establishing a connection, a dialogue, between the observer and the artwork.

The true reward as an artist is found not just in the act of creation but in the shared moments, emotions, and connections that arise when my work becomes a part of someone else’s world. It is through this exchange that the impact of art extends beyond the canvas or sculpture, leaving a lasting imprint on hearts and minds.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As a visual artist, my objective is to impart my creativity and aesthetics to a community. I strive to capture the importance of the human footprint by transforming each artwork, aiming to convey the profound impact we leave on the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shelleyheffler.com
• Instagram: @shelleyhefflerart
• Facebook: Shelley Heffler
• Linkedin: Shelley Heffler

Image Credits
Shelley Heffler