Shani Rhys James

Shani Rhys James was born in Melbourne, Australia to a Welsh father and Australian mother in 1951. Her family emigrated to Britain when she was a young girl. She has settled in rural Wales for over 30 years and currently lives in Llangadfan, near Welshpool in Powys. Arguably the most exciting and successful painter of her generation, Shani Rhys James has won numerous awards, including the Jerwood Prize, The National Portrait Award, The Mostyn Open, The Hunting Prize, the Gold Medal at the National Eisteddfod of Wales. In 2003 she was also awarded Welsh Woman in Culture.