Filters of Light and Color — the Art of Sharon Stackpole

Sharon Stackpole’s art is difficult to define.   Her mixed-media pieces are whimsical but not precious; comfortable but edgy; nostalgic but not corny… in fact, her art is so full of contrasts that it’s difficult to write this review of her exhibit in a way that will inspire you to hoof it on over to the Purple Moon and check out her exhibit for yourself,  but that’s exactly what you should do! 

Stackpole’s art is full of fun, and it’s obvious that much enjoyment was had while making these pieces.  The exhibit is called “Filters of Light and Color,” because when you first walk into the gallery, the first thing that you notice is the abundance of bright, happy colors that surround you.  As you look closer at individual panels, you start to notice things emerging from the colors — bits of ephemera, interesting quotes, and unexpected things like a beautiful life-sized, hand-built clay fish “swimming” in the encaustic surface of the canvas.  You start to see stained glass pieces, and a large, painted cloth panel, and canvases with layers and layers of interesting things right beside more traditional paintings of hers.  The variety of Stackpole’s art is perhaps the most exciting thing about this exhibit.  Once you think you understand what sort of artist she is, you find a piece that is completely different from the rest… and equally brilliant.

Stackpole’s art breaks all the rules.  In a cynical world, she creates art that is optimistic and comfortable.  She has a huge body of work that is so diverse that it can’t be classified — and yet, it all works well together in an exhibit.   This exhibit would be a great getaway during these last few chilly days before spring.  Stackpole’s Filters of  Light and Color will carry you comfortably through the end of winter and into the warmth of spring.