2015 5WAYS Exhibitions

                                  

Sharon Lee interviewed by Lily Kamatz 

Q - How did you work with the exhibition theme, ‘Ikebana inspired artwork’? 

         A- Ikebana provided both a stimulus and subject matter for my art.  I

 have referenced ikebana vessels, flowers and organic forms in my paintings

 and wall sculptures.  In addition I have incorporated elements of

 ikebana design, composition, structure, colour, line, and shadows in my work.  

Philosophically, Lily’s ikebana installations led me to explore our connection

 with place and the environment.  My works attempt to incorporate this

 experiential aspect. 

  

Q - In what way did Ikebana influence your choice of medium?  

A - The ikebana theme influenced me to apply thicker applications of

 paint and eventually lead me to sculpt with plasticine, plaster and timber.   

 

  

Q - Can you describe your creative process?  

A - Ikebana arrangements and the shadows they cast, offered me a wild

 kaleidoscope of mark making opportunities.  I initially saw the

 arrangements as layered organic shapes which I photographed and edited in

 Photoshop to create complex assemblages.  From this point I translated my

 ideas onto canvas, prints and sculptures. My works are not literal depictions of

 the known but only hint at reality. 

  

Q - Did working with a theme and a group of artist impact your work?  

A - For me, working with a group of artists practicing diverse and ingenious art

 forms added interest and excitement to the entire process. The sharing of

 knowledge, techniques and materials heightened the

 experience exponentially.   Lily Kamatzs’ encouragement to adjust the design

 element of my compositions to ‘allow more white to show- to give them space

 to breathe’, had a big impact on my work. 

The comradery and shared history of the group was a real bonus, which I

 have endeavored to depict through the ‘nature –nurture’ series of wall

 sculptures.  Working with a fixed theme kept me focused and helped the

 group to meet the challenge of producing a cohesive exhibition.  

Q - Where to from here? 

A - I would like to further develop my multi-layered, 3-D approach and use

 of carved faces.  In addition I will continue to explore new techniques and

 mediums including the impasto quality of oils.