Artist's Statement

Sheila Asbell Allen received a B.F.A. in Printmaking and a Master's degree in Painting from Illinois State University.  Today, she has her studio in Bloomington, Illinois. Her work is included in several collections and has been shown in various group and solo exhibitions throughout the country.  Allen has taught art as an instructor at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois. Sheila and her husband Les Allen, the artist, owned the Paintin' Place Art Supply Store in downtown Normal, Illinois, for many years.

Much thought goes into each piece of her artwork, starting with a basic idea from a personal feeling or experience, or from an interpretation of another person’s experience. Emphasis is placed on shape, light, and line.  The simplification of imagery is done to avoid depicting any specific person or situation, with hopes that any viewer can create a narrative from his or her own imagination or experience.

Tension is created through the figures’ unusual juxtapositions or from the precarious points that join the figures and/or shapes.  The figures may seem to be flying, dancing, diving, balancing, or playing some kind of game.  With the use of certain colors and by the specific placement of shapes and figures, Allen likes to depict the
joy and hopefulness she sees in life.

Sheila Asbell Allen
(309) 829-9985
Sasbellallen@aol.com