Today we’d like to introduce you to Shari Lyon.
Hi Shari, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m an entrepreneur, a businesswoman, 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!
I was born in Utah and quickly moved to Arizona, where I eventually met my husband in high school and added 3 kids over the years. We now live in Utah once again and my kids are nearly adults.
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 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 love 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 have. It stirred the need to create that had been dormant all these years. I had to learn. Again.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think 2 of the most fought through struggles for artists are constantly seconds guessing yourself, your abilities, and your work, and then receiving and dealing with rejection. Both are a nonstop part of being an artist and I don’t know that they ever go away.. but they also help propel you as an artist and keep you learning and growing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I paint with beeswax! Encaustic art is one of the oldest forms of art. Encaustic is a 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 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.
Being an artist is a never-ending process. I am always creating, marketing, communicating with my galleries, and planning for the next painting, show, or gallery event. But after managing my husband’s art career for 20 years and then getting back to my own creative life after being a stay home mom for that long, I am loving the process. I love connecting with new galleries or new designers, I love getting to know my collectors and the people who sell my work. I love getting to share the beauty in the world and across social media. But it is about taking risks, getting outside of my comfort zone and channeling my inner extrovert when I am mostly introverted
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My mantra is to create it yourself! Put yourself in situations where you can introduce yourself to people, create connection, build relationships and the mentors and networks will follow. Be sincere in wanting connection, and not just to get something out of it for yourself, but also to give back when you can. Volunteer, teach, and mentor others. An artist career is built in connections so get out and create them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sharilyon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharilyonart/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/sharilyonart/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/sharilyonart
