Sharon Lampke

I don't remember a time I didn’t think of myself as an artist.

When I was young, I pursued an art education degree with the Fine Art Department at UNCC. After deciding teaching rebellious teenagers was not for me, I studied Graphic Design and eventually became the Senior Graphic designer for First Union. I also operated a freelance business in graphic design.

After having four children, and leaving the corporate world, I became interested in painting. With the graduation of my youngest, I decided it was time to go all in for my “last third" career.

I threw myself into classes at Braitman Studio in the spring and summer of 2018 and was an “Artist in Residence” there in the fall. I later taught beginner classes and assisted with other classes at Braitman Studio.

I am currently in an artist’s studio co-op on East Blvd in Charlotte, StudioWorks Artist Collective + Gallery, where my studio is located and I show and sell. I also exhibit artwork at Carlton Gallery in Banner Elk, NC, and Island Art Gallery in Pawleys Island, SC. I am a member of the Charlotte Art Guild whom I have shown and sold paintings through and have also shown and sold paintings through The Good News Shop at Christ Church Gallery in Charlotte NC.

Artist’s Statement

Those who know me might describe me as a driven person, and that is apparent in my work. It’s a very deliberate process of trying to tell you so much information and dialogue with you through imagery and color. I am emoting and expressing with the paint, but also trying to comfort and calm and bring order/peace to the (seeming) chaos. I strive to make you fall in love (with the painting) and bring the joy, satisfaction that comes with a visual experience that touches the heart.

My inspiration starts with nature; how light hits or reflects, how reflections create patterns, how patterns create soothing rhythms, peace.

Ultimately, I love the process of painting, of building the image, color. I love interacting with the progression of the image as it changes layer by layer. I want your eyes to dance with me around the canvas, comforted here, shocked there, intrigued. My spirit gets tangled up in the paint and reaches out to you.

Experience

2018-Present Sharon Lampke Fine Art, Started out at my home studio, then joined Studioworks Artist Collective, where I produce and sell original artwork.

1999 – 2002 S. Lampke Fine Arts, Maintained an Art Studio in the Charlotte Art League and sold original artwork.

1994 – 1999 Lampke Design, Freelance Design Studio, Major Client – Charlotte Chamber since 1984, Handled/managed projects from concept to print

1989 – 1996 First Union National Bank, Senior Graphic Designer, Assistant Vice President – responsible for managing a team of designers, to conceptualize, design and produce printed pieces for First Union Marketing. Major Accomplishment: Redesign and production of First Union’s 48 page banking services catalogue. Additional projects: Redesign and coordination of all product brochures, sales campaigns, newsletters. Directed photography, illustration, freelancers and vendors, including printing.

1984 – 1994 Sharon Moss Graphic Design, Freelance Design Studio, Worked with various clients such as the Charlotte Chamber, major office developers, major financial institutions, advertising agencies. Handled/managed projects from concept to print.

1983 – 1984 Laseter & Parks Advertising Agency, Assistant Art Director – Responsible for design, layout and mechanical. Coordinated photographers, illustrators, copywriters.

1982 – 1983 Knight Publishing Co. “The Charlotte Observer”, Graphic Designer – Design, layout, mechanical for quick turnaround newspaper advertising and direct mail.

Education

Artists I have studied under: Andy Braitman, Nickolas Stewart, Allison Chambers, Elizabeth Ross

1978 – 1982 University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Fine Arts with emphasis in Education, Honors: Deans List, Founder/President of UNCC Art Club; Nominated Lectures/Fine Arts Chairperson on the University Program Board

1982 Central Piedmont Community College: Graphic Design

Awards

2023 Honorable Mention, Island Art Gallery w/cash award - 2019 Selected for Shain Gallery Up & Coming Artists- 2001 Charlotte Art League Spring Show Honorable Mention - 1994 Cash Award for excellent service to First Union Marketing Group - 1992 Best of Marketing Award, 1992 Award of Excellence from National Bank Marketing Association - 1991 (three) Best of Marketing Awards, 1991 PICA Best of Category, 1988 PICA Best of Show - 1984 Gold and Silver Addy, 1982 First Place in (two) Design Competitions, CPCC - 1980 Honorable Mention in Student Show, UNCC

Contact

Galleries