Edmonds Waterfront Center
220 Railroad Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020
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Art and creativity have always been an important part of Sharon Grader’s life. Growing up in Eugene, Oregon with access to the University of Oregon’s museums and galleries helped establish art as a cornerstone for her creativity.
Relocating to Seattle opened a whole new world view. Art and cultural were available everywhere leading to a career in graphic design. As a professional graphic designer for more than 30 years, she discovered the language of design and how to see as an artist. All of the elements of composition such as shape, line, and color are carried forward into her art. Since leaving the corporate world, she has unlocked the joy of creating for herself and coloring outside the lines. In 2013 she discovered encaustic painting and fell in love immediately—there was no courtship, just a primal connection to the magical ephemeral quality of molten beeswax.
Exploration and experimentation are major elements of her artistic journey of discovery. She often works with found objects, using cardboard, paper bags, dyed silk, rusted paper, encaustic monoprinting, watercolor, oil, and pastels. She is fascinated with the creative process and the constant wonder that surprises her every day.
Artist Statement
I am an abstract painter drawn to the fundamental aspects of creating art. No matter whether the medium is hot beeswax, ink, watercolor, oil, acrylic, combined with asemic writing or mark making, my curiosity constantly challenges me to push the boundaries of my limitations. When I paint, every line, every color, every shape has a purpose, a meaning and a relationship to each adjacent component. My work is disciplined, yet free and unexpected, calm and thought provoking. For me, this is a journey of discovery and happy accidents.
