Saturday, May 4, 2024

Dinner party

36x24 acrylic on canvas by Sharpe This is a vibrant still life painting featuring a variety of items arrayed across a wooden surface against a teal blue backdrop. The composition is centered around gastronomy and home cooking, with a focus on fresh ingredients and culinary delights. From left to right, the painting shows a bunch of spring onions with their bright green stems and white bulbs, an ornate bowl filled with radishes, and a large purple eggplant lying in front of the bowl. Beside the eggplant, there are two lemons – one sliced to reveal the citrus inside. A carrot, with its green top partially visible, adds another element of freshness to the scene. Center stage in the painting is a collection of bottles, each with its own distinct shape and label. They appear to be various beverages, including what could be a bottle of vodka and a dark bottle that might contain a spirit or liqueur. In the midst of the bottles, there's a cassette tape with the word "LOVE" visible, perhaps suggesting a connection to music or cherished memories. To the right of the bottles, there's a wooden bread box labeled "Fresh Bread," and inside it, there are neatly arranged loaves of bread; a couple of them have been cut, indicating their readiness to be enjoyed. Immediately next to the bread box is a green fish figure, which contrasts with the otherwise edible items. Scattered in front of the bottles and bread box are a variety of colorful bell peppers – red, yellow, and green – alongside a wedge of yellow cheese. A small red chili pepper and a whole garlic add spice and flavor to the mix. Foregrounded on the right side of the painting is a small blue and white bowl filled with green olives, emphasizing delicacies that one might enjoy in a time of solitary reflection or culinary exploration. A bunch of dark green kale or a similar leafy vegetable leans against the right edge of the canvas, rounding off the array of wholesome ingredients. Overall, the painting celebrates the joys of cooking and the beauty of fresh ingredients with a sense of warmth and homeliness. The inclusion of music via the tape suggests that these culinary moments might have been accompanied by beloved tunes, making it an ode to the simple pleasures one can indulge in even when spending time alone.

Adriana Sharpe

Adriana Sharpe, born on December 21, 1983, is a multifaceted individual whose life and work transcend the ordinary. Raised in Ecuador by a father who was a polymath and a World War II veteran, Adriana's early life was steeped in art and learning. Her father, an artist himself, began training her in the arts from the tender age of 5. While her father's influence was profound, instilling in her a passion for learning and an appreciation for the arts, it was Adriana's own experiences and inherent talent that shaped her path. Adriana's journey into the world of professional basketball was a means to an end; it allowed her the opportunity to travel, which in turn fueled her evolution as a painter. From a young age, she sought to capture the essence of her experiences and the world around her through her art. A pivotal moment in her youth was when she successfully replicated the Christ statue from a local church, which her father recognized as a sign of her exceptional talent. This demand for originality from her father set Adriana on a path to discovering her unique voice in the world of art. Throughout her career, Adriana has been influenced by both modern and Baroque styles, drawing from her father's modernist approach and her mother's Baroque sensibilities. However, her work is ultimately defined by its pure expressionism, characterized by its dynamic storytelling, emotional depth, and philosophical underpinnings. Adriana's art is a reflection of her life's journey, filled with stories, feelings, spirituality, and commissioned works. Her approach to art is deeply personal; she strives to understand and connect with her subjects on a profound level, which allows her to convey their essence through her paintings. Not only is Adriana a talented artist, but she is also a visionary and philosopher. She believes that each painting must carry meaning and seeks to communicate through her work. Her philosophy is evident in her quote, "It always takes them 10 years to see what I see by the time they are there, I’m again 10 years ahead." This statement encapsulates her forward-thinking and innovative nature, always pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Currently, Adriana is channeling her creativity and ambition into an architectural and botanical art project in Ecuador. With a goal of raising $400k, the project aims to explore sustainable and aesthetically pleasing design using local materials like caƱa (a type of bamboo) and clay, along with natural pools. This venture not only showcases her artistic talents but also her commitment to environmental sustainability and her desire to contribute to the development of her home country. Adriana Sharpe's life and work are a testament to the power of art as a medium for expression, connection, and transformation. Her journey from the basketball courts of Ecuador to the art galleries of New York and beyond illustrates her unwavering dedication to her craft and her relentless pursuit of originality.

"Timeless Blossoms"

Acrylic on canvas board 12x8.5 
Flower and Rolex by Sharpe

"Timeless Blossoms" is a vibrant and captivating painting that seamlessly blends elements of nature and luxury. The canvas is adorned with a beautiful array of red, blue, orange, and opaque yellow flowers that seem to dance across the surface, exuding a sense of energy and vitality. Among the flourishing blooms are striking red peppers that add a touch of spice and whimsy to the composition.


Centered within this botanical tapestry is a meticulously rendered Rolex watch, styled in the iconic Pepsi design from 1978. The watch stands as a symbol of timeless elegance and sophistication, contrasting harmoniously with the vivid floral surroundings. The juxtaposition of the natural with the man-made elements creates a captivating visual dialogue that is both intriguing and thought-provoking.


The painting captures a moment frozen in time, where the delicacy of white flowers delicately balances the boldness of the peppers and the elegance of the luxury timepiece. "Timeless Blossoms" invites viewers to contemplate the intricate beauty of the world around us and to appreciate the unique blend of artistry and nature that defines our existence.

"Trapped" - Exploring the Depths of Emotion through Art

Trapped by Sharpe oil on canvas  30x48 



Sharpe have the unique ability to channel profound emotions into their creations, often evoking equally strong responses from their audience. The painting titled "Trapped" is a visceral representation of inner turmoil and the sense of confinement that one may feel within their own life or psyche.


Upon gazing at "Trapped," one is immediately struck by the predominance of deep, bold blues, interjected with accents of lighter shades and a touch of contrasting color around the central eye. The use of blue can symbolize a multitude of things - from sadness and melancholy to depth and introspection, it sets the overall tone of the piece.


The composition of the painting is quite affecting; the central figure, which appears to be a visage contorted by distress, dominates the canvas. The eyes, uneven and asymmetrical, convey a desperate longing for understanding or release. One eye appears clear and focused, possibly representing a glimmer of awareness or hope amidst the confusion. The other eye shows a spiral drawing inwards, which might suggest a descent into one's own mind or feelings.


The mouth of the figure is open wide in a silent scream which amplifies the theme of entrapment. It is as if the figure is calling out for help or an escape from its silent despair. The abstract nature of the form suggests a universal struggle, allowing the viewer to possibly see a piece of themselves within the painting and bringing a deeply personal response.


Art such as "Trapped" often leaves much to personal interpretation, where the message and meaning can shift depending on who is viewing it. Some may see it as a representation of mental health battles, such as depression or anxiety, while others might interpret it as a symbol of feeling stuck in a certain situation or environment.


Intrigued by its evocative nature, one can't help but to reflect on their own experiences of feeling "trapped" at some point in their lives. By confronting such raw emotional content, the painting challenges us not only to empathize with the subject but also to confront our own internal battles and the walls we build around ourselves.


"Trapped" is a powerful expression of the human condition, one that resonates with the struggle for liberation and the complexities of the inner self. Through this artwork, we catch a glimpse of the universal desire to break free from our bonds and the inherent difficulties that come with such a journey

Thursday, February 1, 2018

ADRIANA SHARPE

Adriana Lisbeth Sharpe

Painter, Sculptor, Woodworker 




Adriana was born on December 21, 1983 “at the third hour of the day” in her parent’s home, in the city of Portoviejo, Manabi Province, Ecuador. She is the daughter of an American of Caribbean and Irish decent, Alfred Joseph Sharpe and Betty Graciela Giller de Sharpe, an Ecuadorian woman of French decent.
Her father’s experiences as an engineer, painter, sculptor, carpenter, and draftsman, along with her mother’s activities as a professor and business and crafts woman, created the perfect environment to develop her natural artistic gifts

Adriana was described as a “little mastermind” showing her skills at the early age of 4. Adriana spent a lot of her time by herself working on projects, since her polymathic personality make it difficult to be around other kids. Adriana received her first commission at the age of 9. She was mentored by her father as he worked on projects such as water systems, furniture design and the creation of their home, a Brooklyn style house in the city of Portoviejo.  In addition she had the opportunity to learn sculpture from the master painter Oswald Guayasamin. 

Because her father traveled with his daughters, they saw several cities exploring culture and design.  Adriana was always fascinated by the behavior of various social classes and how the built environment could be a major factor in people’s state of mind. Adriana started her studies at the age of 10 at the counting school Uruguay. At the age of 13 she continued her studies at the School Marinas for a Bachelor in Social Sciences. Adriana’s  life in the city was surrounding by politicians, doctors, lawyers, ministers of religion, military personnel while her life in the country was surrounding by farmers, craft and beautiful landscapes. 
During her teens, Adriana had a big reputation as a titan for her heroic actions. By 15, Adriana was the inspirational leader for young athletes. She decided to finish her studies at the School Olmedo and to stop the violence in the community by bringing the Olympic spirit. Adriana played basketball at a national level, becoming best female player in her city with a score of 69 points in one game. After the 2000 national game, Adriana was injured putting an end to her basketball career. Adriana immediately started looking for new mediums of expression since the young artist didn't want a common life. 

At 17 Adriana started working for the newspaper La Hora selling advertising to small business, while attending to two universities. She spent her recreational time playing billiards, surfing, Texas Hold’en and assisting one her friends in veterinarian matters. She moved to the United States with hope of joining the Navy but her knee injury disqualified her. It was heart breaking for Adriana.  Shortly after she  suffered the dead of her father causing to take a pause for a period of 3 years and explore the possibility of a new chapter in her life in a different environment with new set of behaviors in  a country that loved art, theater, poetry and music.

In Charlotte NC, Adriana stared working in the retail world with high-end jewelry, where her interesting background was a muse for several clients. Because of her versatility, she was commissioned by the rich and the poor, for artworks, jewelry, photography and design. During her last year in Charlotte she decided to work as makeup artist to understand at a deeper level human skin color and texture. 


At the age of 30, Adriana was introduced as a painter in The Charlotte Post News Paper “Sharpe focus on making impression”. She was also posted in popular art page @lovewatts in Instagram. Adriana move to New York in 2017 to: finish  her project “The Chameleon”; complete a private collection of art and to raise money for life changing project, a museum of art in her city Portoviejo with the idea of bring the culture of art to the city. Adriana describes her work as fearless authentic expressionism.