Shel grew up near Oak Park Illinois where he found inspiration in the architecture and architectural decoration of Frank Lloyd Wright. He has been a full time artist since 1974, when he graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in ceramics.
Since moving to Northern New Mexico in 1976, he has focused on the creation pieces for installation in both public and private spaces. His work is in collections throughout the United States.
Shel created three large public art pieces in the state of New Mexico;each took about two years to complete. For pieces in Truth or Consequences and Artesia New Mexico, he designed public plazas and built sculptural fountains and seating. The third is a large fountain and bench at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden in Albuquerque. All incorporate handmade colorful ceramics.
Though Shel has worked in stained glass on and off throughout his career, his interest fusing and slumping glass began in 2002 when he wanted to make some sculptural light fixtures for a house he was building. He was seduced by the look of light filtering through colored glass, and now divides his time between working in clay and glass.
An avid traveler and hiker, Shel’s influences include forms from nature, architecture and art he has seen throughout the world. He has visited Barcelona many times to see the work of Antonio Gaudi. He is also inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
click on product for larger image and more information
