Artist's Statement:
The concept of forming a unique world and narrative out of nothing excites me. In my daily life, I think about how there is much more to the world than we are able to see. I mimic this idea in my practice, and I hope viewers also feel that possibility.
My work is realistic in the sense that it is representational. However, I place a lot of emphasis on details, which often have an element of strangeness. Recognizable imagery acts as an anchor, while details are used to subtly question and introduce mysteriousness to a composition. My imagery includes references to people, animals, and nature. Having grown up in Vermont and lived for many years in New Mexico, I am deeply influenced by their distinct landscapes and histories. These places, both concretely and conceptually, often emerge in my pieces. Recently, I have been creating work playing with the concept of magical realism. I am creating art that appears to be situated within a real world setting, yet upon closer inspection unveils extraordinary elements. All of these ideas are conveyed through various art forms like encaustic, paint, mixed media, and, most recently, colored pencils.
Although my practice has evolved over time, it has consistently found inspiration in nature, memories, dreams, the paranormal, and parapsychology. Broadly, I embrace the idea of the otherworldly and enjoy inviting viewers to find beauty in the strange.
Stacey Sherman - Bennington, Vermont 2023
