Nooka Shepherd (b.1998) is a multi-media artist based in the West Country. Their practice revolves around the exploration of internal landscapes and their works in paint, sculpture and embroidery aim to communicate a deeply personal and intimate relationship to the natural world. Finding inspiration in regional folklore and mythology, Nooka processes their understanding of the animated natural world through experimentation with symmetry and mark making. For her, the creative process is a means of accessing and communicating with ‘non-human’ forms of life and they use their practice to break down temporal barriers. A marked focus on femininity, matrilineal ancestry and fertility are conduits for Nooka to connect with those who precede them. They aim to reach back beyond the human to our animal, plant and microbial ancestors.