Shari Pratt

SHARI PRATT holds a Bachelor of Education Secondary, Art Education Major from the University of British Columbia and a Fine Arts Diploma from Kwantlen University College. She has taught for both the Maple Ridge and Mission School Districts in both elementary and secondary as well as for the Delta and Maple Ridge Arts Councils.

Shari creates mainly figurative works. Presently, her work reflects figures that are mysterious, lonely, contemplating and often placed in settings that are quiet and thought provoking. Pratt concentrates on honing her powers of observation, especially as it concerns to color and emotion. Pratt’s figures portray warm and relaxed expressions of peaceful thoughts.

While visiting museums in New York, Pratt was attracted to the solemn faces of works created by Cassatt, Manet, Duveneck, Van Gogh and the feeling of colour found in Newman, Rothko, and Kandinsky. Pratt searched for similar works of such emotion and colour, soon becoming an avid student of painting, seeking out and immersing herself in the works of various figurative and abstract impressionist artists.

Says Pratt, “Everyday close your eyes and visualize how the mix of colour and emotion make you feel”. Pratt’s paintings give the viewer the ability to connect with the subject in a way that is intimate and emotional.