ARTIST STATEMENT:
Since childhood I have been fascinated by the process of rendering three-dimensional objects onto two-dimensional surfaces. My first sense of having power came from creating something new, restricted only by the limits of my own talent. I was fortunate therefore to receive intensive art training in a specialized public high school in NYC. I then continued on to get a BFA in college, and have taken additional courses afterwards.
The countless shapes and colors in nature are most often my inspiration, and result in mostly representational but also abstracted pieces.
Throughout my career I have enjoyed using various media, exploring and mastering the different techniques and effects of each. Recently I have concentrated mostly on acrylic painting, as well watercolor and art paper collage. My past work has also included leaded stained glass window hangings and stained glass mosaics.
Forgoing extensive planning before I start a new piece, I enjoy the process of making changes on a canvas or paper and watching it evolve -- until it achieves the effect I was searching for, and pronounce it completed. I always strive to create work which is technically well done which also has a sense of fluidity, beauty and mystery -- work which attracts the viewer with a compelling overall composition, vibrant color & intriguing details.
I have also enjoyed the opportunity to create public art, selected and sponsored by the Oak Park Area Arts Council: a lampost banner and bench located on Harrison St. in Oak Park, and five murals along the South Boulevard train embankment.
I am never as at peace, unaware of time passing, as when my work is flowing well. And, I am never as anxious and frustrated as when I am stuck about what to do next. Is it good? Great? Can it be better? Is it completed? Is it uniquely ‘me?’ In all this, I find the process of creating art to be continually challenging.
For any questions and inquiries re purchasing a piece, email me at: msirefman@hotmail.com
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EDUCATION:
High School of Music & Art, NY, NY, Fine Arts Major
University of Chicago, B. F. A.,
Erikson Institute, Chicago, M. Ed.,
SHOWS:
Solo Show, Ataneo Gallery, Santander, Spain 1969
One-Person Show, Vis-a-Vis Gallery, New York, NY 1970
Group Show, Bergman Gallery, U. of Chicago, 1971
Harrison Co-operative Art Gallery, Member, 2002-2003
Participant in various OPAL, WSAG and OPAAC shows in Oak Park, 2002-present.
Various awards won in WSAG and OPAL
Three-person Show, Prairie Title, Oak Park 2010
Featured Artist, Papillon Gallery, Oak Park, 2011
Solo Show, Art Gallery, Oak Park Library, 2013
Solo Show, Oak Park Conservatory, 2014 and 2016
Solo Show, Oak Park Village Hall, 2015
Solo Show, Oak Park Senior Center, 2016
PUBLIC ART in Oak Park:
2012-2019: Six murals along South Boulevard commissioned by the Oak Park Area Arts Council;
2019: Two 4' x 8' murals for the Berwyn Public Arts Initiative Art on Track project, to be placed along the Berwyn Metra Train platforms.
2018: 2' x 6' lamppost banner along Harrison Street.
2005: Painted and stained glass mosaic bench along Harrison St. Fine Arts District;
MEMBERSHIPS:
Oak Park Art League
West Suburban Art Guild (until 2015)
Oak Park Area Arts Council