Meet Shari Lyon | Encaustic Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shari Lyon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shari, how do you think about risk?
Without taking risks you never have anything different than what you do daily. If you don’t do a few scary things in life you will miss out on those “what if” wins. I have had many different careers and worn many different hats, but the one thing in common has been that each new situation required a leap of faith moment. These don’t always go as you hope, but at least you don’t just wonder how it would have gone. I feel like I take risks, on a much smaller scale with every new painting I create. I put a lot of time, money, and love into each piece, never knowing if it will resonate enough to be purchased by someone. Some are wins and some are not.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
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 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 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.

I want to invite everyone to come to see my work, and say hi when I am back in Arizona from January through March for the Scottsdale Celebration of Fine Art! I will be working onsite for those 3 months and hope you take the chance to see me and 99 other artists all working onsite. Come see my work in person, it’s so much better than in photos!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale. Starts again in January 2023 and goes until the end of March.

Website: https://www.sharilyon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharilyonart/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharil/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharilyonart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharilyonart