Life & Work with Tricia Sham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tricia Sham.

Hi Tricia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The most prominent memories that stand out to me when I think of creating as a child consists of using a Paper Mache to model a cat from a water bottle and hammering nails into a cardboard sculpture. During my junior year of high school, I learned about art ‘formally’ when I was accepted into the Visual Arts department. After graduation, all I wanted was to have as much time as possible to continue to make art.

I received a B.A. in Studio Art in 2021 where I learned my values as an artist. One of the most prominent is, ‘If you are going to do it, do it abjectly’; instead of holding back, pursue it completely and with everything. Burnish the colored pencils, use vivid colors that repel color theory, depict concepts through ‘absurd’ connections without hesitation, and emphasize the use of bold abstract(ed) mark making.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I remember experiencing resistance and defiance when working towards a Studio Arts degree. I created within parameters, received questionable critiques, and constantly painted over my work. I felt I could be spending more time on what I really wanted to think about and create.

Although, all of these experiences facilitated the need to reflect on me, such as valuing what I create regardless of the ‘perfect’ vision, building resiliency to take some advice, but not necessarily all, and never limiting experimentation despite the borders others might set or the ones we set for ourselves.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a mixed-media artist. Currently, my mediums of interest consist of colored pencils, oil, acrylic, and jewelry.

Utilizing ‘non-traditional’ materials allows me to better communicate the contrasting and complicated feelings I represent. While my work, at a passing glance, looks ‘happy’ due to the bright and bold colors, there is heaviness. My work stems from frantic writings and poems. I then relate myself to insects and other animals that wondrously align with my thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

I use nature both as a savior and as an enemy. Leaves are a common element that serves as protectors and healers.

While parasites are an element that serves as the hurtful forces I am subject to. These connections are not explicit; the abstract(ed) mark-making creates ambiguity. Ambiguity is a major element within my work because of the obscure and sheltered way in which I express myself and it more easily allows for viewer interpretation.

Pricing:

• Animus – $350

Contact Info:

• Website: ttsham.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triciasham/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TriciaSham