Hi, I'm Bobbie Sheppard (aka Jane Delve) welcome to my website. I am a mature student living in Bridgend, South Wales with my husband, three teenage children and lazy old tabby. After many years being a stay at home Mum, I am finally living My life long dream at Swansea School of Art (UWTSD) doing a BA Illustration degree.. I've drawn and painted all my life, My wonderful parents recognised my artistic leanings early on due to my felt tip and paint creations left on our furniture, doors and walls (my older sister said that was the only time she heard my Dad swear!!). As a teenager I spent hours hidden in my bedroom creating secret romance comics (I wish I still had those!). If I didn't let my creative juices flow I'd become tetchy and bad tempered, still pretty much the case now!
Over the years, I learnt new skills and I didn't really care what I was doing as long as it was creative. ! sketched, painted, sewed, crocheted/knitted, needle felted, made polymer clay jewelry, pottery etc. I have been mostly self taught, until now. None the less, it hasn't held me back, I've had a number of private commissions for family portraits, and large canvases. I even have had the opportunity to illustrate three children's books and that was so much fun although a big learning curve.
My dream was to go to university and learn how to do it properly. Somehow I believed it was probably too late, given my age. But, when going to an open day with my 18 year old daughter to see the Fine Art department at uwtsd, we were shown around most of the art school, including the Illustration department. I was overcome with excitement at what I saw. It was calling my name! My family encouraged me to apply. Nervously I did, got in and started my first ever degree in 2022.
I enjoy any aspect of illustration, including 3D, traditional and digital. My dream is to create children's books that make a difference, to make a heart (young and old) a little softer and kinder. More tolerance and kindness in this world is no bad thing, and I want to be part of that.
