Interview with Sheila Neufeld

The work of acrylic abstract painter, Sheila Neufeld, captures the very essence of her experiences throughout her well-traveled life. She invites her viewer to share in her love of the natural world and entices with her signature use of light, texture, and shimmering effects. Neufeld derives inspiration for her powerful, abstract pieces from her childhood growing up in Saskatchewan. In addition, her travels around the world as well as her spiritual practice have contributed to a deeper connection to her work, allowing for new dimensions and an even greater source of inspiration.

Neufeld currently resides in Vancouver, Canada and has been painting full time since 2005. The nature that she has experienced throughout her life, and which surrounds her everyday has been a huge influence on her two most recent expressive endeavors “Creation” and “Universe” These series are about her connection to the earth; its beauty and complexity and the boundlessness of the sky and beyond. She invites the viewer to experience her joy of the profound expansive nature of life by her signature use of light and depth that she has called “The Shimmer.” The depth created through this process to me is a mirror of the mystery and complexity of life itself.”
“I am always drawn to colors, compositions, light and feeling. While the theme of my work is consistent, each piece is newly discovered as I create layer by layer with acrylic paints, gloss mediums, iridescent pigments, and various textures to convey a luminous, multidimensional effect. My process is unique as I inlay my art with natural/and or Swarovski crystals and their sands to create “ The Shimmer.” This effect gets picked up with different light sources, hopefully reminding the viewer of the magical nature of life itself.”

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To love unconditionally and be deeply peaceful with myself and everyone around me.

Which words or phrases do you overuse?
Totally.

Where would you like to live?
Anywhere with beautiful flowers, white sand and turquoise water.

Who or what is the greatest love of my life?
My whole family which includes my biological family, my husband and his family and friends who are like family to me.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Georgia O’Keeffe. She was strong, independent and captured the beauty and sensuality of nature in her work.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Crystals, mystical objects and skin care.

When and where are you the happiest?
When I am in the flow creatively and everything comes together effortlessly. Beautiful nature, having fun with my husband Derek, family and friends also make me incredibly happy.

What is your favorite occupation?
Entrepreneur/Inventor.

Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to teleport myself anywhere I wanted on earth and beyond instantly.

If you could change one thing about your self, what would it be?
Second guessing myself.

What is your greatest fear?
Being attacked by a Grizzly or Polar Bear.

What is your greatest achievement?
The number of wonderful friendships and relationships I have cultivated over the years.

What is your most treasured possession?
Photographs of people, places and memories I love.

What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty and Integrity.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Patience.

Who is your favorite hero?
Anyone who marches to the beat of their own drum.

What is your greatest regret?
No regrets as everything I have done has contributed to the person I am.