Sally Shintaffer

From Sticks & Stones. The idea that you can make something interesting from scavenging around at the beach or in your own brain is pretty compelling.

Years ago, black and white photography and dark room printing were introductions to my art self. That photographer’s voice is still present. I've always liked to crop photos, even macro photos, and find a new way to look at something familiar. I now think that was a precursor to my interest in abstraction.

I’ve moved from mostly photography to mostly painting, collage and mixed media, from figurative to mostly abstracted works, which is where I think I was destined to end up. News media photographs and stories have been inspiration for paintings and drawings about resilience and refuge; blades of grass inspiration for nature's quietest moments; pedestrians walking uphill inspiration for a 'pedestrians' series. It's all fair game when you observe a thing closely.
I've taken a variety of classes at Pratt Art Institute in Seattle, the Trowbridge Atelier through Gage Academy; abstract painting courses through the Seattle Artists League; plus a daily art practice of making a mark a day - to be be done quickly or over a few hours - every single day for eight years now. Participation in a few group shows has been galvanizing.

“It’s more this instinct to get in trouble, and then get myself out of trouble. That’s what painting is for me.”
I hear you, Amy Sillman.