BIOGRAPHY

Terry Shepherd is director of the ceramics program and resident artist at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts in Grand Junction, Colorado.  Since 1984 he has been teaching and developing the Art CenterÆs year round ceramic curriculum.  Terry also conducts workshops in Colorado and in other states.  He has become known for introducing students to low-fire saggar and thin shell saggar, with fuming techniques utilizing natural combustibles such as tamarisk , salt brined fescue grasses, salt, copper and cobalt sulphate to produce a unique surface embellishment. 

From 1972 to 1983 Terry developed and operated Shepherd Clay Studio in El Jebel, Colorado, located in the Roaring Fork Valley between Aspen and Glenwood Springs.  During this time he had the opportunity to work and study with other local clay artists.  Some of the most influential were Jan Edwards, Thanos Johnson, Paul Soldner and Lou Wille.   Over the years Terry has facilitated workshops with Tom Coleman, Betty Farson, Katy McFadden, Rodney Mott, Michael Wisner, David Wright, Paul Soldner, and Jim Romberg.  Since 1971, Terry has exhibited in and curated shows throughout the State of Colorado. 

Terry brings a diverse background to his approach in working with clay.  With a strong sense of form and gesture, his work explores the mysteries of both ancient and contemporary methods of firing.