Wow!  Complex.com came out with a list of the most important visual artists of 2014 and included me at the number 8 spot.  To be included on a list with such respected artists like Ai Weiwei, Marina Abramovic, Banksy, Swoon, JR, Maya Hayuk, Kara Walker, and more, is a huge honor. This year has been very busy for me but also incredibly gratifying.  As Complex mentions in their story, I had a significant homecoming show alongside Jasper Johns in Charleston this past May at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art.  Also, earlier this year I created a portrait of Ai Weiwei as a tribute to his courage and to support his ongoing political struggle with the Chinese government.  I’m excited to be working with Swoon and Maya Hayuk for the upcoming Art Alliance: The Provocateurs show in Chicago this July, so it’s cool to see them represented here as well.  I have more projects on the horizon in 2014 and I’m so thankful for the shoutout from Complex!  Thanks for caring and thanks for supporting me.

– Shepard