Shari Lyon
American Fork, Utah
Artist Shari Lyon creates contemplative paintings of trees rooted in soft landscapes. She started her career as a dancer and loved to create through movement. However, after multiple surgeries, Shari realized her dancing career was over. It broke my heart, it was all I ever wanted to do, she says. Undeterred as an artist, Shari reinvented herself. This phase of self-discovery became a pattern and she continued to seek out new creative pursuits. After 25 years of managing her husband's fine art career, one day she came across an encaustic piece that deeply moved her. It brought back all the emotions that dance used to, recalls Shari. This launched her career as an encaustic painter, melting beeswax and combining it with oil paints and pastels to create her signature landscapes. When she's not creating art, Shari enjoys traveling with her husband, and the two often lead private tours to Italy and other European destinations.
Artist Statement
I paint with beeswax! Encaustic art is one of the oldest forms of art. Most people are not familiar with the word encaustic. It's 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 labour-intensive, and there are many steps involved. 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 and cultures. 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. I feel that the encaustic process lends itself to very moody, emotional landscapes. Perfect for dreaming of those long-off places you wish to explore!
Press
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