The Sherman Library is pleased to present a new show “Light Reveals” by Suzanne Ashley.  This exhibit is composed of still life pastels from her kitchen, landscapes from her travels and a few watercolors.  In addition to her paintings, there are also small tissue paper collages plus copies of her poetry book called "Opposites Detract".  The artwork will be on display at the Sherman Library from October 30, 2020 through February 10, 2021 and also shown virtually on the Sherman Library website:  www.shermanlibrary.org. 

 

Describing her work, Ashley talks about the pure joy of coaxing some dust from a pastel chalk onto the tooth of a sanded archival paper as a pleasure and challenge at the same time.  The layering and constant building up on the surface reveals an almost touchable object or scene.  The light and dark playing on the surface and the reflection from one surface to another require a delicate  painstaking effort to provide unexpected and subtle rewards.  A tree stands firmly on the ground as the sky deepens around it, a simple fruit or vegetable reveals its inner beauty with pride.  Nature explodes with color.

 

The pastel artist must discover her subjects’ essence and may not pressure her creation with too many strokes; both the chalk and dust are highly sensitive to being overworked.  This labor involves forethought and planning.  To keep the work fresh and bright, one needs to be attentive to the darks and lights from the outset, applying the lightest hues first and working into the darkest.  This technique will avoid having to layer the light upon dark, a sure way to diminish its gentleness and diminish its punch.

 

Ashley moved to Sherman in 2016.  She has a B.S. Fine Arts, Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA.  She has also studied at the Art Institute of Boston, Boston, MA; Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA;  Art Students’ League of New York, NY and SUNY-Purchase, Fine Arts, NY.  She has now retired from 40 Years Health Care Administration.

 

She has been Curator for the Private Collection of 500 - ART FOR HEALTH Program; Fine Art Appraiser; Gallery Owner; and Katonah Museum of Art Artists Association Board Member.  Her work has been exhibited in the Katonah Museum of Art, the Hammond Museum, and the Stamford Museum where she was recognized by the Faber-Birren Award.  In addition, she has exhibited at the Silvermine Artists Guild, Wilton, CT and in galleries throughout the Hudson Valley from Westchester County to Hudson, NY,  in Connecticut throughout Fairfield County and in Maine on Monhegan Island.  Her paintings are currently at the Barn Gallery in New Fairfield, Conn.  Her work is also in private collections such as Dave Brubeck,  jazz musician; George Pataki, Governor, New York; New York - Presbyterian Hospital; Edward Coker and Elaine Galen. 

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Suzanne Ashley’s paintings and collages are available for purchase. 

Suzanne is graciously giving 75% of the proceeds from the sales of her artwork featured in the show to the Sherman Library.  With the holidays approaching, remember that art makes a lovely gift and this is also a great way to support the Library.

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To see the full painting, title, size, medium and price, click on the painting. 

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