Delta Explorer - Spring 2008 - (Page 34) Unique Works of Suggestive Ancient Art Sharon Zachary by Diana L. Patrick The California Delta Art & Wine Destination Sculpture Sharon Zachary is among the Delta’s most notable and exciting artists. Inspired by her fascination for ancient ceramic art, Zachary creates exotic, whimsical, sensual and sentimental works of art steeped with character and traditional techniques developed over centuries. Her unique works of art are reminiscent of the archeological artifacts she admires. She embodies rich textures with imprints taken from items such as ornate iron grids, architectural mold- She embodies rich textures with imprints taken from items such as ornate iron grids, architectural moldings, antiques, and objects of interest she collects while traveling the world, and additives like sand, steel wool and metals—all to create the magical parody of ancient artifacts with delightfully eclectic contemporary style. additives and construction.” In some cases she sculpts the clay and others she molds it directly from plaster forms created from live models. Her figurative sculptures are strikingly accurate recreations of models enhanced by her talented techniques. “I continue to pursue my love for the human form. It is such an amazing thing. There is poetry in every movement every limb what is seen from outside is merely a cast inside we are a mastery of machinery every part beautifully constructed. What I create from the casting of the human form is a near-replica. My aim is to sculpt in the abstract, as more of an impressionistic interpretation.” Zachary has a studio in her home in Elk Grove, where she does her body castings and sculpting and also operates a successful graphic design firm, Sharon’s Designs. Sharon has been sculpting and exhibiting her art for the past sixteen years throughout Northern California. After a career at Lockheed Missiles & Space, she returned to school in 1998 and subsequently received her AA in Graphic Design and Ceramic Arts. She continues to actively pursue artistic knowledge. “I take as many workshops as possible to further the evolution of my work with clay and glazes. I am presently investigating sculpting with cement so I can create outdoor art,” explains Zachary. “I recently attended Darjit cement workshops doing large scale cement sculptures. I have attended many workshops with prominent artists such as Paul Soldner, Donna Billick, Don Ellis and Don Reitz.” She is scheduled to attend up- delta explorer / 34 Contributed Photos courtesy of Studio 53 Gallery and Sharon Zachary Sculptor ings, antiques, and objects of interest she collects while traveling the world, and additives like sand, steel wool and metals—all to create the magical parody of ancient artifacts with delightfully eclectic contemporary style. “Ceramics have been a form of art for thousands of years,” says Zachary. “It’s fascinating to learn about ancient civilizations through their ceramics. From the lifestyles of the opulent to the maltreated pauper, such interesting art was inspired. “My objective is for my art to appear as though it had just been found in an archeological dig. I want it to look aged, archival, to make the viewer wonder about its age and ethnicity.” The handmade glazes, stains and Raku finishes Zachary applies add to the mystery and intrigue of each sculpture. Raku is one of her favorite finishes, a highly volatile ancient technique she has impressively mastered. Zachary is also passionate about exploring clay’s potential. “I like to discover just how far I can push the properties of clay with textures, shapes,
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