We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shari LYON a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shari thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Becoming an encaustic artist has been a very roundabout journey for me. I started as a dancer, I loved to create through movement! Music filled my soul and I loved stirring emotions through my dance in others. But my body didn’t support my love, and after multiple surgeries, my surgeon recommended that I set dancing aside. It broke my heart, it was all I ever wanted to do.
So I reinvented myself for the first time. I found that I could be something else, something that I had never considered before, and I loved it! This phase of self-discovery became a pattern. I loved to find new things and make them a part of who I am.
Then after 25 years of visiting galleries with my husband and running his fine art career, I came across an encaustic piece that really moved me. It brought back all the emotions that dance used to. It stirred the need to create that had been dormant all these years. I had to learn. Again.
I am mostly self-taught, though over 20 years of being submersed in the world of art through managing my husbands art career, I have picked up a lot of knowledge along the way. My work is a creation in progress.
Shari, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I paint with beeswax! Encaustic art is one of the oldest forms of art. Encaustic is painting with a specific mixture of beeswax and damar resin. Painting with hot, melted wax, I also incorporate the use of oil paints, pan pastels, oil sticks, and drawings. I love the smell of the melted beeswax that fills my studio!
The process requires that I have both patience and spontaneity. It’s a rare marriage of being in control and completely losing control. It’s labor-intensive, but what I love most about encaustic is that the outcome is a dreamy, ethereal image with texture and appeal, unlike any other art form. I wish everyone could see encaustic works in person to really appreciate all they have to offer. Photos rarely do them justice.
I am drawn to the imagery and symbolism of trees. I love that people generally have a universal response and connection to the different meanings that trees can have to different people, religions, and cultures. Trees are stoic, grounded, life-giving, and lasting. They are calming, and provide vital oxygen for our every breath.
I also love to work with abstract landscapes. I prefer to not replicate an exact place or time but to create an invitation to a place where the viewer can create the narrative and emotion for themselves. The encaustic process lends itself to very moody, emotional landscapes. Perfect for dreaming of those long-off places you wish to explore! These places are a respite to calm and center me. Places where I can take in healing deep breaths equal to a good yoga session.
When I’m not spending time in my shared studio with my best friend, fellow artist, and hubby, I am usually to be found with him traveling the world and experiencing the art of all cultures.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Becoming an encaustic artist has been a very roundabout journey for me. I started as a dancer, I loved to create through movement! Music filled my soul and I loved stirring emotions through my dance in others. But my body didn’t support my love, and after multiple surgeries, my surgeon recommended that I set dancing aside. It broke my heart, it was all I ever wanted to do.
So I reinvented myself for the first time. I found that I could be something else, something that I had never considered before, and I loved it! This phase of self-discovery became a pattern. I loved to find new things and make them a part of who I am.
Then after 25 years of visiting galleries with my husband and running his fine art career, I came across an encaustic piece that really moved me. It brought back all the emotions that dance used to. It stirred the need to create that had been dormant all these years. I had to learn. Again
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My hubby has always provided our family with a very comfortable lifestyle. He has worked hard, and most of that time I was working as a stay home mom. I watched him carry the heavy burden of providing for our family for years. I am now in a position where I can also help bring in income, and I have loved giving my hubby the gift of a little less financial responsibility for our family. I love being able to bring in a portion of our income through my art. I love that he can now be a little more selective about which jobs and contracts he takes on. And is able to focus ore on his craft then just bringing in income.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sharilyon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharilyonart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharilyonart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharil/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharilyonart