Interview
Bridgette Shepstone
South African born Bridgette Shepstone is a watercolor artist living in Somerset, England. Specializing in print design for her company, Evie Pop Creations, she has recently returned to producing original art pieces.
Bridgette creates art that touches the heart and inspires the creative spirit. Her soothing, soulful, intuitive paintings are inspired by nature and the feelings that bind her to it, creating an introspective mood that connects the viewer to her art. It is visual poetry, beautiful colors with touches of light and inspired thoughts.
Bridgette has been creating art for as long as she can remember. She started painting professionally around 6 years ago, during a transitional period in her life. Through that experience, she found a new appreciation for life and a profound calling to create that inspires, encourages and comforts others.
Bridgette has honed her ability to translate beautiful imagery into appealing consumer products that can be found at leading retailers around the world.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“After working as a PA in the City of London, I decided it was time to make a change and do something that I was passionate about. Originally from South Africa, I’ve been a creative and have painted from childhood, but it was always just as a hobby. I decided to start pursuing art as a business, and Evie Pop Creations was born. Named after my eldest daughter, she and her sister Cora have taught me to follow a dream and live a life of fun and color.
I specialize in surface pattern design. However, I’ve recently returned to producing original works for sale.”
“My art is a window to my soul, and I just love being able to express it on paper.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My art isn’t influenced by social or political issues. If anything, the opposite. I draw inspiration from my spirituality and nature. I find that my relaxed, free style of painting allows me to tap into and express the passion and love I have for the vibrant colors that nature provides, as well as the vibrant spirit that we all have within us.”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“I don’t follow trends as such, but I have a very wide-ranging appreciation of styles. I love watching developments in the industry. I find the emergence of NFTs and what they offer for the future of art fascinating.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“When working on a commissioned piece, I adhere to the client brief. However, I try to do so while also incorporating my own interpretation and style. To deliver on a brief, there has to be planning.
When creating my own pieces, I work best when I allow myself to become immersed in the experience and paint intuitively, rather than following a pre-planned creative process. Losing myself in a painting session is therapeutic in so many ways, and this really fuels my creative process.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I primarily work with watercolor and ink. I love this medium because of how the colors flow and dance on the page. As a result, my florals are often very abstract. My wet-on-wet technique often leads to beautiful color bleeding, which most of my paintings capture.
Color plays a big part in my work and my life.”
What does your art mean to you?
"My artwork is so often the only way I can translate and express the spiritual side of my life. Each creation truly feels like it’s a piece of me. In the busy world we live in, being able to escape to my studio and create is one of the most joyful things I have in my life.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“From my own pieces, I have no favorites. They all represent something unique and special.”
Please tell us about any previous exhibitions you found noteworthy and wish to share.
“Having spent so long focusing on commercial pattern design and creation, exhibiting has not been a focus of mine. However, this year I am excited to be working on some solo exhibitions.”
Website: www.eviepopcreations.com
Instagram: @eviepopcreations, @Bridgette_Shepstone_Art
Other: Facebook
