Marion Sirefman
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.
BIO
Marion Sirefman, BFA, has been creating art for decades, using many media. She lately has concentrated on acrylic abstracts, painting on canvas and outdoor murals. She is especially fascinated with creating vibrantly colored images the viewer can explore as a unique ‘place’ to inhabit --- but which also reference the real world --- on a microscopic, macroscopic and telescopic level.