SHIRLEY ANNE PEPPERS
I am an old Black woman and happy about that.
Happy to be old - though that joy may diminish.
Happy to be Black and a woman - joys that will never fade.
I was born and brought up in Stockton CA, back when people used to actually “bring up” their children. I went to college in Palo Alto in the 60s. For 49 years my pre-artist career in university fundraising took me across the country, from California to Boston. It had its ups and down, but was a fun and satisfying way to earn a living and contribute to the world.
My husband, Roger Fox, is both a wonderful partner and an honest critic with a very good eye. But, and this is a very important “But”, he only gives his opinion when asked - then, he’s very straightforward. That’s not strictly true either… he will sometimes give unsolicited compliments when something strikes him - but never criticizes unless he’s asked.
I’ve got a plethora of ideas and lots more art to make. I’ll never get it all done, but how fun to have something so wonderful to do that you know you’ll never run out of reasons to create.
Shirley Peppers
Introduction
I’ve only recently begun to think of myself as an artist, rather than a hobbyist—if that’s even a word! Being able to devote my days to creating art, learning about art and artists, collaborating with others, and daydreaming about what I might make tomorrow fills me with joy. This is not an unadulterated feeling, I struggle with the pangs of doubt and strains of effort. However, to create and play - at its best it feels like playing - is a pleasure and a privilege that I treasure.
Recent Exhibitions
2023 – March: Valley Watercolor Society Show
“Nasturtium in a Blue Vase”, Watercolor and Gouache
“Bird of Paradise”, Watercolor and Watercolor Ink, 11” X 15”
“Bird in Paradise”, Watercolor, 9” X 12”
2023 – March: Tag Gallery: Shelley Lazarus Award for Excellence in Watercolor Exhibition
“Blue Violet Irises”, Watercolor, 14” X 10”
2022 - Valley Watercolor Society Show
“Scarlet Tulips”, Watercolor, Honorable Mention
“Yellow Roses in a Blue Vase”, Watercolor
2022 - California Art League, Betsy Leukemia Center for Creative Arts (Burbank)
“Blue Violet Irises”, Watercolor, 14” X 10”
2022 - D’Art Center, Norfolk Virginia
“Scarlet Tulips in a Mustard Pot”, Watercolor, 14” X 20”