Shani Rhys James facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shani Rhys James MBE
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Rhys James in 2015
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| Born | 1953 Melbourne, Australia
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| Nationality | Australian and British |
| Education | Saint Martin's School of Art, London |
| Known for | Oil painting |
| Spouse(s) | Stephen West |
| Awards | Jerwood Painting Prize BBC Wales Visual Art Award Royal National Eisteddfod Gold Medal for Fine Art Glyndwr Award |
| Elected | Royal Cambrian Academy of Art |
Shani Rhys James MBE (born 1953) is a famous Welsh painter. She lives and works in Llangadfan, Powys, Wales. Many people think she is one of the most exciting and successful painters of her time. She is also called one of Wales' most important living artists. In 1994, she became a member of the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. She received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in 2006 for her great work in art.
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Early Life and Imagination
Shani Rhys James was born in 1953 in Melbourne, Australia. Her father was Welsh and her mother was Australian. She moved to the United Kingdom when she was a child.
When Shani was six years old, she became ill with a condition called thrombocytopenia. This meant she had to stay home from school. She says this time was very important for her. It allowed her to play and use her imagination a lot. This helped her develop her creative mind from a young age.
Growing up in Australia also helped her decide to become an artist. Her mother was an actress, so Shani was often around theatre. She saw many stage sets, props, and costumes being made. This creative environment greatly influenced her.
Shani went to school in Eltham, Australia, from ages five to nine. Later, she attended Parliament Hill Girls School in London.
Education and Artistic Journey
Shani Rhys James studied art at Loughborough College of Art and Design. In 1976, she earned her degree in Fine Art. She studied at the famous Saint Martin's School of Art in London.
Later, she moved to Powys, Wales, with her young family. This is where she chose to live and work as an artist.
Painting Style and Subjects
Rhys James is well-known for her thoughtful self-portraits. These paintings often show her sitting in her studio, like her 1993 work Studio with Gloves. When she is not painting herself, she often paints other women. She also creates still lifes and scenes from everyday home life. Sometimes, she paints vibrant and lively vases of flowers.
Art critic Michael Glover has described her work as very expressive. He noted that she uses a lot of paint, applying it thickly and with great joy. He also mentioned that the eyes of the people in her paintings often look wide with wonder. Besides paintings, Shani Rhys James also creates prints and drawings using charcoal and ink.
Art Groups and Recognition
Shani Rhys James is a member of two important art groups. She was elected to the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. She is also a member of the 56 Group Wales.
In 2011, the artist and entertainer Rolf Harris featured Rhys James in a BBC TV series. The series was about great Welsh artists. Shani was the only living artist included in the show. Harris even painted a self-portrait in her unique style.
Shani Rhys James has shown her art in many places around the world. Her exhibitions have been held across Europe, in the US, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia. The Martin Tinney Gallery in Cardiff represents her work.
Awards and Achievements
Shani Rhys James has won many important awards for her art. These awards show how much her work is valued.
- 1989: First Prize, Wales Open, Aberystwyth Arts Centre
- 1990: Second Prize, Wales Open, Aberystwyth Arts Centre
- 1991: First Prize, Mostyn Open, Oriel Mostyn, Llandudno
- 1992: Gold Medal for Fine Art, National Eisteddfod of Wales
- 1993: Hunting Art Prize/Observer Art Prizes
- 1994: Elected member of 56 Group Wales
- 1994: Elected member of Royal Cambrian Academy
- 1994: Winner of the BBC Wales Visual Art Award
- 1994: Second Prize, BP National Portrait Award
- 2003: Woman of Culture, Welsh Women of the Year Awards
- 2003: Winner of the Jerwood Painting Prize
- 2006: Creative Wales Award, Arts Council of Wales
- 2007: Honorary Fellowship, University of Wales Institute Cardiff
- 2007: Glyndwr Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Arts in Wales, presented by MOMA Wales
- 2008: Honorary Fellowship, Hereford College of Art
Personal Life
Shani Rhys James is married to fellow artist Stephen West. They have two children. Even though many people see her as a Welsh artist, she holds an Australian passport. She describes herself as a "mongrel Celt", meaning she has mixed heritage.
She also owns a second home in Charente, France, where she spends a lot of her time.
Images for kids
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Rhys James in 2015
