Today we’d like to introduce you to Shari Lyon.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m an entrepreneur, a business woman, a creative 40’s something mom and wife who finds myself in need of a reinvention from time to time! I found encaustics and immediately had to learn more about painting with melted beeswax. I wish you could be in the studio with me! It smells divine!
Becoming an encaustic artist has been a very round about 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 for a while. 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 years of visiting galleries with my husband 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. And so, I began the process of learning the medium.
Please tell us about your art.
Most people are not familiar with the word encaustic. It’s basically 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, photography, and some drawings. And I pull it all together with a propane torch.
The process requires both patience and spontaneity. It’s a rare marriage of being in control and completely losing control in the process. It’s labor intensive, and there are many steps involved. But the outcome is a dreamy, ethereal image with texture and appeal unlike any other art form. You truly have to see encaustic works to really appreciate all they have to offer. Photos rarely do them justice.
I am drawn to the imagery and symbolism of trees, but I often play with other themes that are important to me as well. Beautiful loose landscapes, and woman’s themes are common imagery I work with.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Create your community! My husband (Howard Lyon-check him out he’s amazing!) and I love to host monthly artist gatherings at our studio. We’ve been doing that for about 4 years now and we love the sense of family we feel with our community of artists. It’s easy to get into the habit of just staying in the studio, but we grow and learn through getting out and attending show openings, educational opportunities and get together with other artists. It feeds us in ways creating art can’t!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have a website at www.sharilyon.com but I am most active on my Instagram account @sharilyonart. I also have a Facebook page: Shari Lyon Art and my Twitter is @sharilyoness.
I have pieces that are in shows and galleries around the nation, currently in Santa Fe, Utah and California. I am working to expand my audience and hope for more people to see my creations! They are so much better in person due to the depth and texture of each piece. I can be reached at art@sharilyon.com or 480.241.7907.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sharilyon.com
- Phone: 480.241.7907
- Email: art@sharilyon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharilyonart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharilyonart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharilyoness
Image Credit:
Shari Lyon
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