Neil Shigley Research Paper

Neil Shigley, born on January 7th, 1955, Columbus, Ohio, to a military family. Shigley’s father was a soldier in a regiment which was sent to Europe which is where Shigley spent most a majority of his childhood. The family travelled quite often to many different countries in Asia and North America growing up. Eventually, the family moved back the United States and settled in San Francisco, CA. Shigley now lives in San Diego, CA.

Shigley was greatly inspired by Art while on his travels between different countries. When he returned to North America and settled in San Diego he attended San Diego State University where he studied printmaking and painting. When uncovering his talent, he eventually got the opportunity to attend Pasadena’s Art centre college of design with a scholarship and graduated with the honour of being the first commencement
Recent work completed consists of large portraits of the homeless living near his studio in San Diego. Shigley’s work has featured in international exhibits. Along with his job, he teaches fine art at the San Diego State University.

Medium/technique and creative process:
Shigley works with a variety of different mediums. OBPC exhibition on March 23, 2013, featured a block print. As well as printmaking, Shigley works with acrylic and oils, he enjoys drawing with graphite and charcoal.
Shigley’s work really homes in on the human condition and their feelings. Shigley’s dream is for every portrait, in some way, to hint the human condition. Every portrait created by Shigley begins with travelling around different parts of San Diego, where he talks with the homeless living on the streets of San Diego.
Shigley believes, “Even though they don’t have a home, they still have a space that is theirs.” Shigley believes that as an artist you have to look for ‘interesting characters’.
Shigley says, “Our life experiences are what enables us and maybe confines us to our artistic