Alison Shepherd cites Auguste Rodin, Michael Ayrton and Elizabeth Frink as those who have most inspired her as a sculptress in their various abilities to portray earthiness, realism and expression combined with statuesque qualities.  Ancient civilisations have also made their mark on her; Pre-Columbian, Aztec, Incan, Chinese, Greek and Roman but none more so than Ancient Egypt where she spent some of her childhood years.   Alison’s dogs show many of these influences and are, above all, full of joy.