Sunday, January 27, 2013

Living in changing times means evolution of Self, Style and Medium.

As an artist living in a world of ever changing themes. The question of what to create and how to create it are relevant to the success of the work, it's look and eventual public acceptance. 

I am of the belief that it is not as much the medium as the message and who is making it and why. I believe Picasso worked in all mediums because each offered a unique connection to the idea and look at what he created. It is only when we settle into one medium and one style that we become complacent and think we have found our way, our unique expression. Clearly, in the moment this may be true, but only for a short time... as the world marches on we must march with it and be a part of the ever changing evolution of the society in which we live.

I do not worry about which medium to use but whichever one I choose I do so with forethought, integrity, skill and heart that will best express the idea. After all it is the result that counts. It is the result that I am truly invested in. Over my past 50 years of being an artist I have made many errors of judgment in perception of how, what and why I created was viewed. Much was misinterpreted unclear and confusing to my audience. In order to find my way I needed to analyze and understand my mediums. I painted in oils, used pencils, inks, watercolors and acrylics, used oil pastels, chalk pastels, carved wood, marble and alabaster. I have molded paper and built 3d models, working with clay and porcelain and all this has produced a verity of styles and expressions one no more valid then the other, but all part of my overall experience, expression and skill as an artist. 
More recently in my artistic career I have embraced the digital camera. I have learned Adobe Photoshop and other plug-ins to produce digital works of art. I learned to master the printing process to produce fine prints.  In this way I am a part of the new expressions going on in many creative fields, I am current and up to date.

I am richer for this verity and more capable as a result of experiencing so much. I hope that all artists will find the medium that frees them from their fear and inhibition, That allows them to see their vision clearly and to follow it to successful expression and understanding as an artist. 

Creativity is dependent on confidence of what and how we express of ourselves, mediums we choose must build a comfortable connection between the artist and the expression of the idea. Additionally, we must realize that nothing is permanent in life all things are a passing stage of development. Artists must embrace the changes that life and time force upon us or fall stagnant in the evolution passing us by. We must remain relevant to our times and audience. In this way we live a life that is serving a greater good and not so self absorbed.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Sculpture on exhibit

Just wanted to give a heads up to my blog folks that I am now showing sculpture in a new gallery in Bellevue. This is a really cool space and the gallery is easy to get to. So if you find yourself in Bellevue and are looking for something to do before going to dinner check out the Ryan James Gallery in the Elements Building just off 10th street.
Update: This gallery is no longer in Bellevue due loss of lease. but you can still see all my work at www.barrywscharf.squarespace.com

Saturday, January 12, 2013

New Gallery New begining

Last night was a wonderful evening. For the first time in years I had my sculpture in a new retail gallery in Bellevue Washington. Ryan James Gallery had it's grand opening and it was spectacular. There were so many people there it felt like a big New York opening. So many people enjoying the art, the space and the company of each other. I was very happy to be a part of the evening with many of my sculptures representing my work and being appreciated by so many people. Thank you to Ryan and his staff for so much work to make the evening a success. If you did not get down to the gallery last night make sure you plan a trip soon there is a lot of work on display and it is good stuff. In this economy a new gallery opening is an optimistic sign that things are turning around and if attendance is a sign of good things to come then The Ryan James Gallery is already a success.  I am sure there will be images posted soon on Facebook. Thanks Ryan