S.J. Shaffer: Paintings of the Desert Southwest

Raised poor on the streets and ocean boardwalks of Mission Beach, San Diego, S.J. Shaffer says she was watched over by the saviors of the local homeless and street gangs. She was protected by heroic Vietnam veterans who provided her with art supplies and escorted to school on Harleys by the reputable but infamous California Hell's Angels. She found refuge in classrooms with wonderful teachers who taught her to strive, be diligent, and clinch tightly to her perseverance, integrity, and true grit.

At the age of 17, she was awarded the San Diego Kiwanis Merit and a scholarship to Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles. She graduated with honors and a BFA in Commercial Illustration. She worked as a freelance illustrator and instructed at California State University, Los Angeles.

Eventually, S.J. traded the ocean for the desert, where she expanded her artistic techniques to fine art. Come to Sedona Artist Market to see her work. We're open 10-5, seven days a week.