Featured Artist Sharon Matusiak

Artist Sharon Matusiak creates ethereal paintings inspired by nature, mythology, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Learn more by visiting her website.

 

 

Through dreamlike, atmospheric scenes, I evoke the fragile and complex nature of life on Earth, whether that life is human, animal or plant. My work exists in the dynamic balance between abstraction and the figurative. Movement and tension unfold between vivid color fields and flowing lines that carry narrative weight and social commentary.

 

 

Recurring themes in my work explore the dualities of freedom and restraint, movement and stillness, and visions of beauty entwined with destruction. I select subject matter based on my ability to create compelling narratives that revolve around that delicate balance that defines our existence.

 

 

As an ardent believer in the GAIA Theory, I recognize that all life is interdependent; when one falls, so do others. Entire ecosystems can be destroyed quickly by the loss of predators, water pollution, or human encroachment. Humans wage war on life constantly and that is not sustainable.

 

 

Living close to nature for the past 35 years in a woodland setting in Southern Illinois, my inspiration arises from the thrill of watching the creatures inhabiting my landscape. Whether spotting the tree frogs and lizards on my patio, the pollinators on flowers in the gardens, raptors soaring overhead, the river otters playing in our creek or the coyotes singing in the night, it always reminds me of the urgent need to protect the environment.

 

 

My process also relies on marrying elements of fantasy, symbolism and mythology, subjects I have been fascinated with for decades. Thus, horses and birds frequently appear as characters in my Dreamscapes.

 

 

They each symbolize freedom and escape, themes that have been prominent in my psyche. Of late, because of social unrest, current events have also influenced my choices. A Broken Nation inspired by the murder of Renee Good is an example. However, that painting carries a message apart from her specifically. It is about fragility standing against force, one against many, armies against citizens.

 

 

I often integrate multiple drawing materials—charcoal, conte crayon, and graphite—with paint. This combining of mediums allows me to create rich textures and depths that emphasize the tensions and narratives at the heart of my work.

 

 

Being an artist has been my saving grace throughout my life. As a child I studied ballet and piano and I now see that rhythm and movement embedded in my work. Creativity is a very therapeutic endeavor, permitting one to learn about themselves and the world around them while healing emotional wounds.

 

 

I also encourage young people that are budding artists to study many subjects. It will serve you well as an artist. I studied a lot of science, philosophy, comparative religion and history in college before earning my BFA in painting and drawing and it has created for me a deeper understanding of my place in the universe.

 

Sharon Matusiak invites you to follow her on Instagram.

 

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