ARTIST STATEMENT
When I reach a sense of ‘quiet’ within the process, I realize a work (whether encaustic painting or installation) is complete. When the creative process is going well, I feel a sense of cadence and rhythm. I would like the viewer to be drawn in by the beauty of the work as it stands on its own, but then look for deeper meaning.
My work delves into socio-political concerns moving outward from the personal to the wider communities of gender, tribe, country, and, finally, universal. By looking at an issue as an individual who is part of these larger communities, I create a multi-perspective. Most of the preparation work is intellectual and involves deep research, but once I approach the making of the artwork, it becomes spontaneous and flows in bursts of creativity – normally taking the shape of very distinct series. My goal is not to proselytize regarding any subject, but to reveal dynamic dialogue which queries the viewer – so they can actively consider the issues and make up their own minds about the topic.
Recently, I was intrigued by an image of a Hiroshima survivor whose skin had been scarred black from the dark designs of the kimono she was wearing at the time of the blast. This image immediately brought to mind scarification, branding, and even damage revealed through tree rings. As our ‘markings’ can be psychological, as well as physical, I began research on atomic bombs and their ‘afterburns’ – this research has become the BRANDED series. The images, although prompted by an horrific action, are lyrical and beautiful. Expanding into all psychological and physical 'after effects' - these works celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.
I will be traveling to Japan in October 2018 to present work in honor of the Hiroshima Bomb victims and survivors.
My one-sentence artist’s statement: I put together broken things.
Info
Artist may be contacted directly at: sherfickart@gmail.com or
cellphone 615-975-1025 between the hours of 12PM – 3PM.
Bio
Sher Fick is a certified RF Handmade Paints (Encaustic) Instructor and Freelance Artist - living and working in Rural Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. Her studio consists of 1200 sq. feet of a artmaking/mentoring/instructional space.
Sher has a BFA specializing in Painting/Sculptor/Art History from Middle TN State University with Undergraduate studies at Northwest Florida State College (formerly Okaloosa Walton Community College) and the University of West Florida. Her continuing education includes Advanced Encaustic, Experimental Printmaking, and Relational Art.
Fick was the inaugural artist for Seed Space for Experimental Art & Dialogue in Nashville, TN (as well as a featured Community Supported Artist, the 2nd such program in the USA, and serves on the Artist Advisory Board). Fick was one of nine female artists in "TAKE CARE: Biomedical Ethics in the 21st Century" (which garnered her specific critical reviews from Linda Weintraub, Veronica Kavass, and Chen Tamir), a traveling exhibition from 2009 - 2104, featured at The Pool Art Fair, during Art Basel - Miami and ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, MI. She has exhibited in Selected, Museum, Solo and Juried Exhibitions since 2001.
A video interview conducted by CFO, Lee Pepper, of Foundations Recovery Network, discusses issues confronted in her art: mental health, art therapy, and the impetus of the Branded Series (work from this series will be featured in a 2-page spread of Studio Visit Magazine for the Winter 2019 issue - out Feb/March 2019) and her Hibakusha Trio (encaustic sculptures) are part of a permanent collection in Hiroshima, honoring A-bomb victims and survivors.
Links For Artists & Collectors
Fine Art America
The premier online marketplace for buying and selling original works of art.
Seed Space
Seed Space is a lab for site-specific installation, sculpture, and performance-based art in Nashville.
National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education.
The Tennessee Arts Commission
A state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to ensure the citizens of Tennessee have access to and the opportunity to participate in the arts.
Adrienne Outlaw Studios
Nashville-based contemporary artist, whom I have interned and worked with
Saatchi Gallery
A Juried Online Art Gallery
Sher Fick on Pinterest
Recommendations from Sher on Creative Living and Loving
CSA - Community Supported Arts, Nashville, TN
Collectors receive a crate of art from Nashville's Top Artists (including me)
TAKE CARE: Biomedical Ethics in the 21st Century
Group Exhibition (including me); travelled 2009 - 2012
InSight? OuttaSite? Artists Lectures
Another Nashville Cultural Arts Project