ARTIST STATEMENT
I was lucky to grow up in an environment where I was free to spend most of my time outdoors, roaming the local woods, creeks, and hills. The more I learned about nature, the more clearly I saw that nothing is really separate in itself, but exists as an interdependent, holistic part of the entire universe. Formed from common elements born from a common source, everything is interconnected in the most intricate ways, both visible and invisible.
I believe that my purpose as an artist is to share that sense of oneness, if only in some small way, with the viewer. Art has the power to expose people to new perspectives, because images touch our hearts and minds at a level deeper than words. Visual expression of the message that we are connected to nature and to one another – and that the connection is real and intimate, not just some ‘theory’ – is increasingly important to our world and our individual communities. I use a vocabulary of nature-inspired symbols – juxtaposed, fused, and interwoven with humans and each other – in my attempt to reveal that essential mystery.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Sharmon Davidson is a contemporary mixed media artist who uses colorful, dreamlike, nature-inspired imagery to explore her belief in the unity and interconnectedness of everything in the universe. Her process begins with a multi-layered monotype using transparent printing inks. After the monotype is dry, other media such as acrylic paint, inks, colored pencil, and collage elements are added. Currently, she has been working on a series of collages, many of which utilize vintage book covers and ephemera as materials. She enjoys recycling these objects by giving them a new life in her work.
Having studied the visual arts extensively at Northern Kentucky University and the Art Academy of Cincinnati, she has exhibited professionally for many years, but has only recently been able to make it a full-time career. Her work has been published on magazine and book covers, and featured in literary and art publications, including Woven Tale Press Literary and Fine Arts Journal #5 and Storytelling With Collage: Techniques for Layering, Color, and Texture by Roxanne Evans Stout. Other jobs and activities have included: graphic designer, stay-at-home mom, performing in a Middle Eastern dance troupe, and teaching art and special education in the Kentucky public schools. Additional interests include gardening, photography, hiking, kayaking, rock and fossil collecting, and building log houses.
© Sharmon Davidson