Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirley Scarpetta.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was in corporate America in the banking industry for many years, prior to becoming a full-time mother. I loved every minute of that journey, and soon it was time for my oldest child to leave the nest, I wanted to find my next adventure and decided to pursue clay pottery at a local college. Little did I know that the stars would align harmoniously and what began as a curiosity, became my lifelong passion. As soon as I touched clay, I knew what I was destined to do. It felt electrifying and exhilarating and needed to hurry to catch up for all the years I missed. Eleven years later, here I am a full-blown sculptor, living out my passion and pursuing my dream to become successful as a female sculptor.
Please tell us about your art.
My primary medium is clay using the lost wax method that the old masters used long ago. I am fascinated in knowing that once completed, my works of art will become family heirlooms and stand the test of time. Bronze is one of the very few metals that can withstand the outside elements and age beautifully with patinas of blues and greens. I am inspired by all of creation. Whether it is endangered animals or people of significance, or a custom piece, I want to sculpt it all. I am mostly inspired to sculpt people that leave a legacy of what it is to be good in this world. I want to remind others, that when they see my works of art, they can truly remember to think of others and do something productive. What legacy will they leave behind? My eyes are the portal to the soul, and I want viewers to gaze into them, and in turn they will witness my soul in each piece.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Success. What a loaded word. I would define it as a means of the uttermost happiness and peace of mind, knowing that you gave it your all, and being able to reap the benefits of your hard work and sacrifice. Success is having a family that is proud of you, and loves you and will support you until the very end, being able to be self-sufficient in your passion, and bringing others joy and admiration for the work that you have accomplished. I do not define success as material gain, power, or fame. All of those qualities would fall simultaneously after pursuing your absolute passion, if that is your goal.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have a private studio in the wonderful Purple Elephant Community of Artists in which you can schedule a private studio visit. We have two open shows a year and the fall show will be on November 3rd from 5-9P.M. Everyone is welcome to come and see several local artists showing their works of art. I have been blessed to have shown in several amazing galleries over the years such as Da Vinci’s Artist Gallery in Tomball, TX, where I directed for over two years, Third Coast Gallery and From the Heart Gallery in Galveston, TX to name a few, and I was recently in the amazing Eastman Gallery in Garwood, TX. I have shown in several group shows along the way and met some fantastic artists. Everyone can support my work by spreading the word and tell everyone they know of a sculptor that is willing work incredibly diligently, honestly, and with purpose.
Contact Info:
- Address: 12802 McSwain Road Cypress Texas 77429
- Website: www.sculptorscarpetta.com
- Phone: 832-790-0067
- Email: sculptor212@gmail.com
- Instagram: sculptorscarpetta
- Facebook: Shirley Scarpetta, Sculptor
- Twitter: @sscarpetta
Image Credit:
JD Hallett Photgraphy, Kristy Owens Originals Photography, Mike Baxter.
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