Clarke County

Woodwork

Sharon states that inspiration for her woodworking comes from watching the demise of old buildings in the Black Belt that have either fallen down or were torn down. A pile of barn wood, the result of a Clarke County tornado, was given to Sharon to paint signs for a cousin. This was the beginning of her love for repurposing old wood.

Materials used in creating her works include reclaimed wood from old buildings and barns, printed images, glue and acrylic paint. Pieces are finished and sealed with paste wax. According to Sharon her ideas are sometimes spontaneous, come from others, as well as online. She estimates it takes approximately four hours to complete a project. When she finds time she works in the studio at her antiques shop, Rose of Sharon Antiques and Interiors. After two years in business she has found additional space for a “small art gathering” once a week where acrylic painting is applied to canvas or old wood. “Actually, art is becoming the heart of Rose of Sharon”.

Although Sharon says she is self-taught, she has siblings that are creative in painting, culinary art, writing and storytelling. Sharon stated “I feel like my creativity is a gift from God, inspired by Him”.

Somehow Sharon has found time to volunteer at the Jackson Health Care Facility to teach painting to a “wonderful group of ladies” and “It made a difference in their lives and mine” she stated.