Our community of artists is the core foundation of Artfinder. With such a vast community based in all corners of the world, we wanted to help them share more about their artist journey, their artistic process and technique and what inspires them. Today, we chat with one of our amazing Sculptor, Shelley Heffler.
Can you introduce yourself, where you are from and how long you have been with Artfinder for?
My name is Shelley Heffler and I’m an artist based in Cathedral City, California. My studio is located at the Perez Art and Design Plaza, where I create site-specific installations and sculptural works, often using repurposed materials. I’ve lived and worked in both New York and Los Angeles, and my journey as an artist has been shaped by these vibrant and diverse urban environments.
How would you describe your work?
My work explores themes of sustainability, memory, and urban transformation. I primarily use discarded vinyl street banners, which I cut, weave, and sculpt into colourful, quilt-like forms. These materials—originally designed for mass communication—are reclaimed and transformed into works that reflect personal stories and communal histories.
What influences you and your work?
I’m deeply influenced by the environment, especially the tension between the built world and natural decay. My background in fashion and fine art, along with my travels throughout Europe and Asia, has shaped a visual language rooted in design, repetition, and cultural storytelling. Artists like Frank Stella and El Anatsui have had a profound impact on me—Stella’s bold use of shape and color, and Anatsui’s transformative use of discarded materials both resonate with my own approach to repurposing industrial waste into something expressive and meaningful. I’m also inspired by the resilience of communities and the beauty found in overlooked or discarded materials.
What does your creative process involve?
My process often begins with collecting and sorting materials—vinyl banners from city events, rubber, or other industrial scraps. I then cut them into strips and begin weaving or forming them into sculptural frameworks, often using wire mesh or metal structures for support. Many pieces evolve organically, guided by color, texture, and the inherent characteristics of the materials.
Have you changed as an artist overtime?
Absolutely. I’ve moved from traditional mediums to more experimental and sustainable practices. Earlier in my career, I worked in ceramics and painting, but over time I became more interested in public art, installation, and repurposed materials. Teaching for over 25 years has also kept me adaptable, curious, and open to new methods of expression.
What’s your favourite artwork you created and why?
One of my favorite works is Taking Flight, a large-scale suspended installation made of sculpted wire mesh and woven vinyl banners. Installed in the Saatchi building on Hudson Street in New York, it captures the feeling of floating on air—subtle movement occurs when the building doors open. The piece resonates deeply with me because it brings a sense of lightness and transformation to a corporate lobby, made entirely from discarded materials.
What do you think is the role of art/artists in society?
Artists help people see the world differently. We reflect, question, provoke, and inspire. In a time of environmental urgency and social change, I believe artists have a responsibility to not just create beauty, but to contribute meaningfully to conversations about sustainability, community, and equity.
What advice do you have for emerging artists looking to make a living out of their art career?
Stay curious, stay disciplined, and don’t wait for permission. Build your network, show up consistently, and be open to unconventional paths. Diversify your income—whether that means teaching, commissions, public art, or licensing your work. And above all, stay true to your voice; your authenticity is your greatest asset.
Cover image via Shelley Heffler
