Shelley Heffler was born and raised in the Bronx. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York where she studied interior design, and worked as a designer for Edward Fields, Inc. She moved to Los Angeles where she earned a Master's degree in fine art from graduated Cal State Northridge. She traveled a year throughout Europe and Asia photographing the lives of fascinating people and the rich cultural landscape they live in. On returning from her travels, she settled in Los Angeles where she taught ceramics and fine art for L.A. Unified for over 25 years. Additionally, she was an adjunct professor at Otis College of Art and Design, a Nationally Board-Certified Professional Educator, and a mentor teacher. Her exhibition history includes the Los Angeles County Museum of Art rental gallery, the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery and group shows throughout the United States. Her work has been reviewed in the British magazine Hedge, Los Angeles Times, LA Independent, Daily News, San Diego Tribune and San Diego Art Review. She was nominated for the Awards for the Visual arts, and received a Fellowship from Funds for Teachers. Her paintings and photographs are in the collections of many collectors across the United States. She has recently been identified as "One to Watch" on Saatchi On Line, and featured in “Art Pins”. Now retired from teaching, she is solely dedicated to her art practice in her studio located at Beacon Arts in Inglewood, California.
Process and paradox are the core issues in my work, while the materials I use fuel and inspire me. Fabrication is low tech and hands on. Questions about urban environment and passage of time are elements I explore. I am deeply aware of the destruction of our throwaway society that is leading to our collective destruction. Modern times has resulted in treating the earth as a disposable resource. Through the action of painting and deconstructing, I attempt to restructure and form material to reclaim and restore a healing presence through the work.