Tyler Shepperdson’s art has worked as therapy to help him with mental and physical health issues that pushed him to retire from his career in the air force after serving nine years.
Shepperdson is one of 30 artists being featured in a special exhibit to run throughout the month of October in the Barrie City Hall Rotunda that aims to shed a light on the non-professional artwork of military members, first-responders and health-care providers, called The Steel Spirit.
The veteran, who lives in Orillia, served with the Royal Canadian Air Force before receiving a medical release.
“It’s one of those opportunities where the best things in life just kind of came. Photography has always been a passion of mine, but I never knew I could take it to this kind of level,” he said. “It’s very satisfying.”
Now an abstract photo artist, he takes photos and then manipulates the elements to create something new. Shepperdson said making art helps him to overcome some of his health concerns.
“I refer to it as a great tool toward reintegrating and observing the greater details in life again,” he added.
This show marks Shepperdson’s first foray into having his art showcased in an exhibit.
“It’s quite overwhelming. While you’re working the process it’s very consuming, but once it was here and it became a reality, that’s when it kind of took hold of me and showed me what we’re all capable of,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to be part of.”
Event organizer Barbara Brown said the event has grown year over year.
“In 2017, we had 10 artists. Last year, we had 23. This year, we have 30,” said Brown. “It’s grown, which is wonderful.”
Brown first got involved in organizing the event when her husband went overseas for a year as a war crimes investigator.
“I wanted to keep myself busy, and give a platform for (people who) have job that involve self-sacrifice,” she said.
Aydyn Neifer, another local artist who will be featured, currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces as imagery technician at Base Borden. One of his pieces is drawn with pen and ink of a scene during a training exercise at Fort Knox. Another is done with ball-point pen and is of a scene during a live training exercise of explosions and gunfire.
“It’s a mixed bag,” said Neifer, with a laugh. “We’re on-the-go a lot so I’ll carry a little notebook and I’ll sketch where ever I am, and ball-point pen is the easiest.”
Two of his pieces are acrylic paintings done of photographs he’s taken. Before he started his military career, Neifer said he studied graphic design in school and the lessons he learned there have stuck with him.
“When I’m away from home, I always carry a sketchbook with me and a journal, so I’m either writing or drawing,” said Neifer. “It’s kind of relaxing. You absorb yourself in the work.”
The Steel Spirit will be featured in the rotunda for the month of October.
There will be a reception for artists and the community on Oct. 17 from 7-9 p.m.
For more information on The Steel Spirit, click here.
