Shirley was raised on a farm in the Napa-Sonoma valleys of Northern California. Art and the study of art has been her passion her entire life.  She studied art in high school, and continued  with  her studies of art at Cal State LA, Cal State Bakersfield and Glendale College. In addition to being an administrative professional with the City of Los Angeles she contributed her talent and abilities in developing artwork for pamphlets and posters which are still in use at the City today. 

 

After a 33 year career with the city of Los Angeles Shirley was finally able to fulfill her dream of becoming a full time artist. After the study of art and sculpture at Cal state Bakersfield and for the past twenty years she has produced artwork and designs in a variety of mediums including acrylics, oils, watercolors, basket design, sculpture, pottery, mosaic, mono prints, recycled art, jewelry design, fused glass, pen and ink  and colored pencils.

 

Shirley’s artistic expression generally reflects the essence of her environment .  While living in the mountains her creations were rustic and organic.  Here in the desert, her art reflects the angular cityscape and sculptural landscapes of the Las Vegas Valley.  Her styles cover a wide range from realism to impressionist, abstract, and fantasy.  Her book Back in the Day published in 2022, represents in unique form art and word her youthful experiences in rural Napa-Sonoma valleys before it was wine country. 

 

Shirley’s books, art and jewelry have been displayed and sold throughout California and Nevada. She can be contacted at shirslight@aol.com.