Ian Sheldon is a celebrated artist and illustrator based
in Canada. He is profoundly influenced by the prairie
landscapes of the Western Canadian wilderness. A self-taught
artist, he believes that true understanding of artistic
self-expression can only be arrived at through experimentation.
Sheldon holds degrees from Cambridge University and the
University of Alberta and is the recipient of numerous
awards and notable recognition within the art world. He
is also an accomplished writer and illustrator and his
artwork is represented in many public and private collections
The artist excels in the depiction of tempestuous, dark
and turbulent skies with work that is derived from moments
of real experience. He classifies himself a "storm
chaser". Unlike the average enthusiast who pursues
storms and tornados from a journalistic or meteorological
standpoint, his goal is pure artistic inspiration. The artist
tracks weather patterns and storms on the online radar,
driving out to intercept them as they occur. The finished
work illustrates the sheer scale and often-violent power
of a storm, notwithstanding its dramatic impact on these
huge tracts of prairie land. See recent review of Sheldon's
life and work in the following article
"Storm Chaser on Tornado Turf"
pdf
version
Artist's Statement
I have had images of Alberta engrained in my mind,
as an Albertan for so long abroad. When I returned to
this province after many years, the landscapes evoked
a strong sense of place and belonging. I am part of this
land, as this land is part of me. In Alberta I feel connected
and complete. The landscapes I depict come from the heart,
mind and real place. My spirit lives and seeks refuge
in these landscapes. I draw comfort from the familiarity
of the simple prairie horizon, a critical line that reminds
me of the veld in South Africa, and the flat fens of East
Anglia, lands that were both significant in my upbringing.
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