“I like crazy. Unique. Different. Unusual.”
– Sharon Ramick
"Queen Ilana" by Sharon Ramick, ceramic, 4.5x22x3.5in, 2017 POR
Eccentric, colorful figures are found in the ceramic work of Sharon Ramick. Decorous harlequins of varying emotional tenor – some seen benign, while others carry at least a glint of malice in their levity. Part of their particular appeal is that the heads are perched precariously at the top of a pillar-like body, and never ramrod straight; they sway and lean as if they never quite mastered the art of walking on stilts, or as if they are about to be taken by the wind.
“I’m sure a lot of folks get locked-up for my kind of crazy,” explains Ramick. “But I like crazy. Unique. Different. Unusual. I create crazy pieces that usually allow me to collect smiles. I like smiles and getting them from someone who views my art works kind of like a spell on me. I get a mental ‘high’ from their enjoyment of my artwork. And then the connection is made.”
If Ramick’s optimistic sense of whimsy appears to lack gravitas, it seems that is entirely the point. “I like to use a lot of colors, exaggerate features, create quirky, fun pieces that catch the eyes and make one think. I want to make the world a happier place where communication is easy, and connection to others creates a community that is open, accepting, and excited about our continued evolution.”
If all art is essentially unfinished until it elicits a reaction from the viewer, it could be argued that Ramick’s desire to inspire inclusion and diversity may now be considered meaningful.
"Peppajack" by Sharon Ramick, ceramic, 3.5x11x3.5in, 2017, POR
Ramick just participated in the Louisville Clay Member Artist Show at Mantle Gallery, the Louisville Clay Member Artist Show at AA Clay Studio and Gallery, and her work is included in the exhibit “Get Ready, Get Set: Multiples in Clay” at the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, Kentucky through February 24, 2018.
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Education: University of Louisville and Jefferson Community College. Associate Degree in Arts.
Facebook: clayhandsinky
Instagram: @clayhandsinky_t
Gallery Representation: Kentucky Artisan Gallery, AA Clay Studio and Gallery, Mantle Gallery, Grayson Gallery and Art Center
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"King Larry" by Sharon Ramick, ceramic, 4x21.5x4.5in, 2017, POR
"Blue Mime" by Sharon Ramick, ceramic, 3.5x20x3.5in, 2017, $130
"Mommashrayla" by Sharon Ramick, ceramic, 3.75x22x3.75in, 2017, POR
Written by Keith Waits. Entire contents copyright © 2017 Louisville Visual Art. All rights reserved.
