Neil Shigley is a San Diego artist, painter, printmaker and educator. His work explores the subject of homelessness by giving visibility to homeless individuals through large-scale portraits. He grew up the son of a military officer living in Europe, the Far East as well as several parts of the U.S. His father and his travels fostered his interest of art.

He studied painting and printmaking at San Diego State University before attending Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design on a full scholarship. He graduated with honors earning the honor of being the first commencement speaker in the school’s history.  He moved to New York City and while pursing fine art, he worked as an  award-winning free-lance illustrator  for a variety of clients including many Fortune 500 companies.  After New York he lived in the San Francisco area and currently lives in San Diego.

Much of his fine art has focused on the human condition and the human figure.  His most recent work consists of large-scale portraits of homeless people near his studio in San Diego. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Most notably at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., part of the Smithsonian. Along with his fine art, he currently teaches art at San Diego State University.

“I have been an artist all of my life. It is the only career I’ve had, the only life I have had: making art, studying art or teaching art. Much of my work deals with the human figure in some way, and the human condition. Along with actively creating art, I teach art San Diego State University. Growing up, I was fascinated by watching my father draw and paint. He had graduated from college with a degree in architecture but was called to duty in World War II so he never practiced. He had incredible artistic skills. As a kid I traveled the world, living in Europe, Asia and several places in the U.S. I sailed across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. My father constantly exposed my brothers and I to the art and culture of each place we lived and visited. I’m sure this forged an early appreciation for art, and an open heart to cultures and people.”

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