Shelby Langley was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and raised in the nearby small-town environs of Sandia Park, where she was constantly surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sandia Mountains. This setting fueled her deep love and admiration for the natural world, reflected in the majestic sunrises and sunsets, the dazzling display of stars, and the abundance of trees, and wildflowers which she encountered daily. She began cultivating her sense of awe and innate curiosity about the natural world by studying biology at the University of New Mexico which deepened her awareness and appreciation of the complexities of nature. 

Shelby is a self-taught artist who enjoyed drawing from an early age, and began a regular painting practice in 2019, using acrylics and canvas as an outlet for depression. Painting quickly became a primary source of energy and passion, one that allowed her to experience and express the intrinsic artistry of nature. Her recent works reflect her  exploration of surrealism and her academic knowledge of biology, combined with her unique perceptual encounters with natural beauty.