Sheila Oliner was born in London. Her training in art began at the age of 15 at the Slade School of Fine Art, followed by the City & Guilds. During the 1970s, while bringing up her three children, she worked at Studio Prints in London, studying under the printmaker Dorothea Wight. She taught art at the Camden Arts Centre, and made 84 plates for her friend, the painter Philip Sutton.

In 1985 Oliner moved to Zennor and had a studio in St Ives. She initiated and raised funds for Porthmeor Printmakers Workshop. In 1990, with a group of artists who also worked in the medium of printmaking, she was part of the Porthmeor Printmakers, along with Roy RAY, John EMANUEL and Stephen DOVE. Their combined portfolios of work gave much needed support financially to the Penwith Galleries, and the education facilities of the Tate St Ives. 

Sheila was for a number of years the tutor in printmaking at the Penzance School of Art. Her subject matter revolved around the lives of women, their relationships and their position in society. Her works were exhibited widely in the UK, and toured with the Arts Council. Further afield, she showed works in the USA, Norway, Israel, and Japan, where she enjoyed particular success.

Sheila Oliner died in London on 20 April 2020, at the age of 89. She is survived by three children, one of whom, Rebecca, is also an artist.