Shari Lyon, Rifare (Rebuild)

Artist: Shari Lyon

Title: Rifare (Rebuild)

Medium: Encaustic on round cradled panel

Dimensions: 16 x 16 inches

Price: $1000

Artist Bio: Shari Lyon paints with a medium that is rarer than most––encaustic.

Encaustic painting tends to be uncommon these days, but it has a rich and ancient history. The medium dates back to the 5th century B.C. It is the process of painting with a mix of melted beeswax and damar resin. The result is a highly durable art form. Ancient Greeks used it on their ships as the beeswax is impervious to moisture. Shari, however, was drawn to it for a different reason.

She enjoys working in encaustic in part because of its link to the ancient world, though she also finds that it is an exciting challenge for her type-A personality.

“What challenges me the most is the dichotomy between being in control of the medium and letting the medium do what it does,” she said.

Trees feature heavily in Shari’s work. She is drawn to the symbolism of trees, which she believes cuts across all cultures and religions. Trees are stoic, grounded, healing, and lasting, and they are a calming and meaningful subject for Shari. She also loves to create peaceful, abstracted landscapes.

“I call my pieces not landscapes, but dreamscapes,” she said. “I like to create places that bring peace, balance, and serenity into your home.”

Shari’s art has been shown across the United States, from California to Illinois. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships. She has also been asked to curate shows with clients such as the Utah Department of Arts and Museums, Portrait Society of America, and Havenlight Art. Her work hangs across the nation, Canada, and Europe.

Shari's work has been widely published. She has been a guest on podcasts and received media coverage for her work.

Shari was raised in Arizona but now lives in Utah where she shares a studio with her artist husband. She spends January through April in Scottsdale, Arizona participating in the Celebration of Fine Art. The rest of the year, when she isn’t creating, she travels the world with her husband, studiomate, BFF, and partner in crime. Together, they love to support and mentor young or emerging artists and create community.