Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Madison Sheppard. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Madison, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I had seen myself in many difficult and unfortunate circumstances; from being homeless many times (including at 8 years old) and currently facing homelessness again, to experiencing prejudices against me for my disability, to experiencing firsthand the effects of the climate crisis right at my doorstep.
I grew up with the short end of the stick: I was starving and forgotten, being bullied by teachers and students for the way I looked, struggling to keep up in school because I of the intense instability I was experiencing in my life.
Through the pain, it helps me develop a mindset: I will use my experiences to fuel my energy to make this world a better place- a safe and livable planet for us all, that includes upholding and implementing the rights of humans and animals.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am mainly a colored pencil artist, but I also use almost any medium under the sun. I create portraits of vanishing species to help raise money and awareness for their protection. When I am not creating wildlife portraits I like to make fantasy artwork to keep the spirit of magic alive. I run @earthyartworks on instagram- it is my page dedicated to my art, and my activism.
If you want to learn from me, I will be teaching colored pencil classes this October at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod.
I also organize for Fridays For Future Cape Cod and am the national press coordinator for Fridays For Future USA. FFFCape Cod will have a talk on October 9th for theTaking Care of Cape Cod Summit. I will be discussing youth activism. Fridays For Future Cape Cod is always taking new members and will be organizing more events shortly
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would say, the three skills, qualities, or areas of knowledge that impacted me the most are:
– Understanding that everything intersects in the activism space, that climate change is linked to racism, classism, and other oppressing factors.
– There is no “waiting for the perfect moment” or “someone else will take care of it” real change starts when everyone stands up and starts making a difference.
– Art is a language we all speak. What you create will tell a story- evaluate what kind of impact you want to have.
The best way to get started or develop these skills, is dive in with an open mind. Unlearn any internalized prejudices and be ready to listen to others. Knowledge is powerful.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Its easy to shut down when overwhelm arises. It is crucial to know when to step back, and when to step in. I personally find connecting with others and nature can be my biggest reset and leave me with newfound motivation. If you do not have access to a natural spot, I suggest watching nature documentaries or even just footage of the natural world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @earthyartworks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-sheppard-444650272/
- Twitter: @alphanumrixx
Image Credits
Morgan Williamson Photo
Hanny B Photography
Paint the Stars Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
