Collection Connections:
William Shepherd (b. 1943), Ojo Caliente, 2006, Oil on panel, Gift of the artist
William Shepherd concentrates on representing everyday items from an insightful perspective in his still life paintings. Using his personal collection of Native American material, tourist memorabilia, and other items Shepherd creates juxtapositions between cultural artistic forms and Western kitsch. Shepherd explains, “Combining kitsch with historic pieces requires that you don’t bring any prejudices with you. The West is full of kitsch, and I see it as an interesting part of the culture that speaks well for the West — it shows we have a sense of humor about ourselves.”
His works of art perpetuate a sense of vibrancy and harmony. Shepherd brings to the forefront trinkets and collectibles that are casually ignored by replicating them with stunning clarity. These objects are transformed into instruments that convey elements of light and dark, depth and perception. They create, in the artist’s term, visuality—an undefined sense of transcendence appealing to the eye and spirit.
Ojo Caliente poses a gift shop cowboy made in Japan with original Pueblo pottery, Plains Indian quillwork, and a 1950s bedspread. The pieces aim to tease audiences about popular culture and its impact on our view of the West. This painting was on view in Common Elegance: The Still Life Paintings of William Shepherd, and was recently gifted to the Tucson Museum of Art by the artist.