Sharon Ostrow

I am drawn to the tradition of storytelling.  I make visual stories that contain a spark of magic. My art is a combination of mixed media, assemblage and/or encaustic work. The first stepping-stones in my creative journey involve going through my ever-evolving collection of ephemera, vintage objects, fabrics etc. I never have an overall plan when I begin. Making art is like solving a riddle or a puzzle with color, texture, and shape. The hidden story will unfold itself as I build layers. So, I ask myself,” What is the story I want to convey? Can I tell a new tale from old curiosities?”

My interest comes from a lifetime of listening to family folklore, seeing collectibles and vintage photographs. These glimpses of the past captured my imagination. My mother’s stories reinforced the beauty found in nostalgia and hopeful times. I wanted to continue that tradition, so thirty years ago, I began gathering curiosities and ephemera from local sellers and flea markets. I really enjoyed building my collections but now I’ve taken those items to a new level in my art. One of the most satisfying aspects of my work involves meticulous research of specific historical time periods or topics. The inclusion of vintage papers, images, or items enhances the mystery and aura of the visual experience. The final interpretation of any artistic work is up to you, the viewer.