Saskatchewan Artist

Life Series IV - 2014 - by Patricia Shiplett

Patricia Shiplett

Patricia Shiplett was born in 1954 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Her interest in art began early, as her childhood home was full of art and her mother enjoyed carving. Shiplett studied Finance at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Commerce, completing her Bachelor of Commerce in 1989 before pursuing a career in finance until her retirement in 2000. During this time, she lived in London, England and continued to develop her passion for art while viewing works at the Tate Gallery, the National Gallery, and the Courtauld Institute of Art.

In the 2000s Shiplett studied sculpture and extended media part time at the University of Saskatchewan, and she participated in the Emma Lake International Wood Turners' Conference and Collaboration (2004), the St. Martin's in the Field workshop in London, England (1992) and several workshops organized by the Saskatchewan Craft Council (2002-2005).

Shiplett worked in a variety of mediums, including photography, acrylic and india ink painting, video, and installation. She is best known for her large metal sculptures, which explore the relationship between science, nature, and humanity. Shiplett's work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions across western Canada. Shiplett has exhibited numerous times at the juried Women's Art Festival at Saskatoon's Mendel Art Gallery, and her work has also placed in several competitions of the Organization for Saskatchewan Arts and Culture.

Shiplett's work is included in numerous public, private, and corporate collections, including the Caleb Group of Companies, Town of Blaine Lake, the City of North Battleford, and is part of the City of Saskatoon's public lease program. Public commissions include two large-scale outdoor sculptures for Saskatoon's City Hall and Frances Morrison Library (2010-2013).

Patricia Shiplett died in May 2017, in Saskatoon.