1. SHARON BARTEL-CLEMENTS
Artist Statement
In my Ancient Warrior Torso series, the word "ancient" naturally brings
historical references to mind. The visual quality of being ancient, to me, can
also mean something lost and then found. Lessons that were learned
....something buried or destroyed and then rebuilt.
Women who are the warriors in the world, having many different types
of relationships and various experiences, and they have conquered any
tragedy that has affected their lives...all this, gives them a voice. Each has
their own voice behind the torso.
The woman as warrior has been an idea of mine, originating when I
first viewed the Terracotta Warriors in China.
The use of sewing patterns are more personal for me, having a
reference to time. There's a history to them and psychological meaning that
they can give to the viewer.
During the process of using plaster, the individual torso is transformed
to a shield of protection. Once the hard protective plaster shell is removed
from the torso it becomes part of the collective consciousness of the woman
as warrior. There is a power felt as the viewer experiences the numerous
torsos side-by-side. Collage materials are used for their color and
symbolism. The collage, sewing patterns, and paint are then applied as I
deem appropriate. I'd like to see all the torsos in one space; all different
shapes, sizes, and heights representing a totality of the woman as the
warrior archetype.
Painting for me is looking inside and outside nature, with myself as an
observer. It is the process of seeing life as reflection, color, movement, and
texture, remembering what has been forgotten in our lives and finding
symbolic transformation.
Nature has always been an important aspect of my work. The textures and
interweavings of life are all around us. Traveling extensively throughout the
world, and living in many places across the county, I have seen first hand
this interaction.

2. We all can share a moment in time with nature and our surroundings. It's
our awareness which makes this possible. Whether viewing from afar, or the
close encounter there is order and meaning found.