Sculptor Explores the Transformative Powers of Fungi and Invites Community to Participate

Internationally award winning sculptor Eve Shepherd has turned her hand to the world of fungi for her latest project - shedding light on a subject that is particularly dear to her heart. Children of Nature is a collaborative artwork that merges human, animal, plant and fungi, emphasizing our DNA similarities and oneness with nature, and highlighting the healing power of mushrooms. Thus far the installation comprises around 100 hybrid porcelain figurines, placed in the formation of a ceramic fairy ring - a space where viewers are encouraged to step inside and immerse themselves in the magic.

Children of Nature will be on display at the upcoming Breaking Convention conference from April 17-19. This is your invitation to cross the threshold into the sacred circle and experience the artwork firsthand.

The artist’s personal journey has deeply shaped this piece. After being diagnosed with ADHD two years ago, Eve was advised to pursue conventional medication. However, she saw ADHD as a natural human variant rather than a disability or deficit. Embracing this perspective, she embarked upon a life changing journey with psychedelic medicine as both a way of navigating today’s over-stimulating world, and a means of trauma release.

In Eve’s own words: “This artwork reconnects earth (clay), human, animal, plant, the environment and fungi to stand in community and heal alongside each other. It’s a shift in consciousness, where psychedelic plant medicine is emerging as a powerful option for treating psychological conditions once thought incurable. This installation celebrates the magic and practical applications of these incredible life forms.”

The Breaking Convention exhibition is just a first step in a much larger vision Eve has for Children of Nature. With your help, she would like to tour the artwork across the UK, inviting workshop participants to work with clay to adorn their own mushroom-inspired ‘child of nature’. Their sculptures will then be added to the next installation, resulting in a truly collaborative artwork and community that is not static but living and growing.

Simultaneously globally renowned and “outsider artist”, owing to her unique style and often subversive works, Eve is responsible for many large public commissions - including the iconic monument of Wales’ first black headteacher Betty Campbell, commissioned for Cardiff City Centre. Her work is held in many private and public collections worldwide.

However, despite its growing significance, Children of Nature has never received any public funding. Self-funded by the artist for the past two years, Children of Nature has taken on a life of its own, and has grown beyond Eve’s ability to support it alone. To help bring this artwork to more communities, Eve has just launched a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of touring, installation, and the workshops that will allow more people to join in this collaborative project and awaken to the profound healing powers of fungi.

Visit the Children of Nature JustGiving page to learn more and contribute.