Sherrie Posternak– Artist Statement

The encaustic process allows me to truly transfer what is in my head and heart, onto and into the finished piece. In some cases I combine other materials like photographs and natural materials with the encaustic medium, but it’s the wax that grants the work texture, amazing graphic, color, and a depth that is difficult to produce any other way. My work addresses themes including teaching “seeing” without prejudice, effects of time and erosion on natural and man-made objects, and balancing the masculine/feminine or intellectual/intuitive in life.

Prior to working with encaustics, I had explored various other media and artistic endeavors. I designed and fabricated jewelry from 1977-1988. For several years in the early 80’s I worked at Peters Valley, a residential crafts community in northwestern New Jersey, in capacities including gallery assistant, assistant to the director, and programs chair. From 1988-1997 I owned a fine crafts gallery in Middleburg Virginia. Towards the end of that project I learned the art of mosaics and continue working in that medium. Also I enjoy photography, mixed media, and collage, in addition to encaustic painting which has consumed me for almost three years.

Resume

Education

• 2006-present Various encaustics and mixed media workshops
• 1978-1980 Montclair State College, Upper Montclair, NJ. BA Fine Arts, summa cum laude.
  Major: Crafts. Concentration: Jewelry Making
• 1976-1982 Various metalworking and jewelry making workshops
• 1976-1977 Art Center of Northern NJ, Tenafly, NJ. Metalworking courses
• 1972-1974 Hampshire College, Amherst, MA. School: Humanities and Arts. Concentration: Photography and Filmmaking

Exhibitions

Selected:

• 2009 "5th Annual Alternative Processes,” Soho Photo, New York, NY
• 2009 “Embedded Light,” Grosse Pointe Art Center, Grosse Pointe, MI
• 2009 "Salon de Refuses,” Dinnerware Artspace, Tucson, AZ
• 2009 “Seduction of Wax,” Jewish Community Center Fine Art Gallery, Tucson, AZ
• 2009 “Explore Encaustic Art,” Details Art and Design, Tucson, AZ
• 2009 “Uncharted Territories," PaperWorks at The Drawing Studio, Tucson, AZ
• 2009 Juried Art Exhibit, Contents Interiors, Tucson, AZ
• 2009 “Metamorphosis,” Haydon Art Center, Lincoln, NE
• 2009 “Laughing Matters: Arizona Humor,” Tohono Chul Park, Tucson, AZ
• 2008 “10th Annual Painting, Drawing, Photography & Print International,” Upstream People Online Gallery
• 2008 “Mystery in the Natural World,” Caladan Online Gallery
• 2008 “Turquoise,” Tohono Chul Park, Tucson, AZ
• 2008 “Big Ideas, Small Frames,” Dinnerware Artspace, Tucson, AZ
• 2000-2007 Art for the Garden Exhibit, Botanical Gardens, Tucson, AZ
• 2003 One Woman Show, Pink Adobe Gallery, Tucson, AZ
• 2002 Plaza Palomino Sculpture Show, Tucson, AZ
• 2000 “Botanical Images and Art for the Garden,” Apparatus Gallery, Tucson, AZ
• 1999 “House,” Apparatus Gallery, Tucson, AZ
• 1998 “A Tradition of Excellence,” Tubac Center for the Arts, Tubac, AZ
• 1998 “Clay and Mosaic,” Apparatus Gallery, Tucson, AZ

Awards

• 2009 Honorable Mention, presented by Grosse Point Art Center
• 2008 Special Recognition, presented by Upstream People Gallery
• 1984 Winifred Jenner Silversmithing Award, presented by PA Guild of Craftsmen

Professional Experience

• 2008-present
  Instructor of workshops in encaustics painting
• 2006-present Artist of works in the medium of encaustics and mixed media
• 1995-present Designer/Craftswoman of pique-assiette mosaics
• 1988-1997 Owner, Vista Fine Crafts, a Middleburg, Virginia gallery •
• 1982-1988 Designer/Craftswoman of contemporary jewelry
• 1981- 1982 Co-Director/Program Director, Peters Valley Craftsmen, Layton, NJ
• 1980-1981 Administrative Assistant, Peters Valley Craftsmen
• 1980-1981 Apprentice to Gayle Saunders (Goldsmith/Silversmith)
• 1980 Assistant to Peters Valley Store/Gallery Director
• 1980 Studio Assistant to Dr. Robert Browning, Montclair State College, NJ
• 1972
  Arts and Crafts Director, Summit Camp, Honesdale, PA

Publications

• PaperWorks Journal • Fall 2009
• Tucson Home Magazine, “Three of a Kind” • Fall 2008
• The Fauquier Citizen, “Going to Pieces” • October 1996