Jan Shepherd McKee’s education was extensive and varied; she holds degrees in English Literature, Philosophy (Metaphysics and Philosophy of Science), Visual Arts (Studio), Law and Business Administration from Western University and The University of Hawaii.

Cross-disciplinary work has formed the basis of Shepherd McKee’s creative exploration over the last 35 years.  In 1988 Jan became the Artist- in- Residence in the Faculty of Engineering at Western University, gaining international notice. Jan also undertook a professorship teaching technical communication, law, environmental science and professional ethics as well as a senior administrative position (Associate Director of Undergraduate Services); she held these positions for 26 years.

Jan’s artistic practice includes studio work (drawing, painting, printmaking and papermaking) as well as curating exhibitions in public galleries, landscape design for public gardens (including the Biodynamic Garden at Western and the Pollinator’s Garden at 1475 Dundas Street in London), jewelry design and textile design. Jan has exhibited her art in a number of important shows including Live Paper version 1.0 at McIntosh Gallery, Western University, in cooperation with the National Research Council , the International Mini Print Show in Barcelona, Spain, Prints with a Point in Bristol, England, and Gospel Prints international exhibition of prints, Grosvenor House, Edinburgh, Scotland. Her artworks are held in collections in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Spain.

Jan’s research in Engineering included the areas of Technical Communication, Engineering Law and Ethics, Environmental Science, and Medical Diagnostic Imaging in Neuroscience.

After leaving academic life in 2014, Jan took up studio practice in her private studio, where she is currently working on a number of projects.

Biography Courtesy of Jan Shepherd McKee