Today’s Artists of San Miguel: “Don’t walk by me.”

by Natalie Taylor

Don’t walk by me!” Sharon Van den Berg’s paintings and sculptures cry out . And it is a compelling call, the bright colors and the subject matter make it difficult to simply walk by and not stop.  Her paintings and sculptures have a definite connection to ancient Mayan works, as she herself acknowledges. Time spent in Guatemala influenced her works very much, giving them a unique otherworldly appearance, and appeal. The piercing eyes of the women, sometimes staring out from the depths, sometimes covered by paint, compel the viewer to not just look at the subject, but to consider what is being said. This is art that truly grabs hold of you, and refuses to let go.