Artist Profile: Sharon Bjyrd
Sharon L. Bjyrd is best known for her vibrant portraits celebrating the black experience. Self-taught, Sharon began painting after a life slowdown due to chronic illness created the space to re-discover her love of art. Her work includes the “Heavy is the Crown” solo exhibit 2022; a licensing deal with ashro.com (2022-2024); serving as a juror for Art Fair on the Square (2022) and Overture galleries (2023-202)4; UMOJA Impact Award (2021); the “Honoring the Black Woman” exhibit (which is on permanent display at Madison College); the book "Let's Talk About It, The Art, The Artists and The Racial Justice Movement on Madison's State Street;” the State St Mural Project (2020); and being an emerging artist at MMoCA’s Art Fair on the Square (2019).
1. What has supported—or challenged—your artistic growth and process over the past few years?
One of my biggest sources of support for my artistic growth was being a part of the BridgeWork program at Art + Literature Lab. I was in a two-year cohort and was able to participate in career development and soft critiques—plus meet other artists, art writers and administrators. As a self-taught artist, this support was invaluable because I look at my art in a whole new way. I had to dig deep to really get at the heart of what my art symbolizes, thereby realizing the power of art to influence culture, and gain clarity on my messaging.
2. You've had quite a few gallery shows in the past few years and are expanding into artwear. How do you sustain your creative energy?
I’m not sure creative energy can be sustained, per se. I believe there is more of an ebb and flow to mine. Sometimes I can complete five paintings in a week; sometimes I complete one painting in a month. When it flows, I try to take advantage and do as much as possible. When it ebbs, I spend time doing maintenance—prepping boards, cleaning brushes and generally preparing for next moment of flow. I also look for inspiration by visiting art exhibits, live music events and dance shows. If I’m not actively creating, I’m mentally creating so when the tide changes, I can jump right in. So rather than trying to sustain creative energy, I literally go with the flow of it.
3. What is something you hope people take away from you as an artist when they encounter your portraits and work?
When people encounter my work I want them to see and appreciate the pride, the dignity, the strength and the beauty of the modern Black experience—as well as the power of embracing one’s natural self in the face of societal norms that dictate standards of beauty that “others” our natural features. I think the message that natural Black hair does not equal unkempt hair is an important one too.
4. What are 2 to 3 exhibitions, concerts, books, spoken word events and/or films you're hoping to check out this fall?
I’m looking forward to the upcoming remake of “The Color Purple” this year. It’s one of my all time favorites! I don’t know if it can be made any better, but I’m excited to see. I also always look forward to the MOTH Grandslam in the fall. It’s the finals of a storytelling slam—and it’s always inspiring to watch the top storytellers go up against each other.