Artist Sharmon Davidson creates nature-inspired monoprints that reflect her spiritual beliefs. Visit her website to enjoy more of her luminous imagery.
Since childhood, I have had a passion for creating my own world, drawing paper dolls or constructing “people” from natural materials like sticks and flowers. I always knew that I wanted to be an artist, but it was a dream that got deferred many times.
As I struggled to balance art-making with raising children and earning a living, I made and exhibited my work whenever I could. During my years as a stay-at-home mom, I earned my BA in art education, as well as a BFA in drawing. It was during this time that I began to develop my technique of adding mixed media to a monoprint base layer.
Even while teaching full time, I never stopped making art. By trial and error, I continued to refine my mixed media techniques to achieve the results I liked.
The process consists of building up layers of transparent inks to create a rich, vibrant monoprint on archival paper. Once dry, I add layers of various media, such as colored pencil and acrylic ink, to form the final image.
I also began to add collage elements to some of the pieces, which eventually led to a whole new series of collage-based work. These pieces are made from vintage and antique ephemera on antique book covers. I enjoy giving new life to old books and papers by recycling them into art.
Since retiring from teaching in 2015, I’ve shown my work in numerous juried exhibitions, both in galleries and online. My work has won awards, been featured in several publications, and been used as cover art for books. I’ve also gotten new gallery representation.
Delaying my dream of being a full-time artist wasn’t all bad. It gave me the chance to develop my own unique style, but just as importantly, I now understood what I wanted my art to say.
I’ve been gifted with more than the average share of curiosity, as well as a lifelong love of nature. It makes sense that my interests led me to the intersection of science and spirituality.
I strongly believe that the Earth is sacred, and that everything in the universe is connected to everything else. This underlying oneness of all things is the foundation and theme of all of my work.
Natural forms are my symbolic language. Transposition, transparency and the transformation of one form into another are the syntax I use in expressing these ideas. I want to share this mystery with as many people as possible.
Artist Sharmon Davidson invites you to follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Carolyn, I’m so honored to have my work featured on Artsy Shark! I have long been a big fan of your website and of everything you do for artists. Thank you so much!
Sharmon
A pleasure, Sharmon! Your art is just stunning and a wonderful addition to our featured artist collection!
Congratulations Sharmon! Beautifully written and your art shines in this piece. You ARE one of a kind. Your Voice is loud and clear. Create On, my friend🌻Laura
your use of colours and transparency are great.
keep up the good work
Truly beautiful Sharmon, Lovely to see a collection of your work with your words on Artsy Shark BRAVO!!!! … every image shines. And this line ‘Transposition, transparency and the transformation of one form into another are the syntax I use in expressing these ideas. ‘
knocks my socks off!!