Thank you for the interest in my artwork.

Traditions are Alive - is the name for my newest collection of artwork.

I travel, shoot my own photos, and document all that I see and do. I use my photographs for reference material, capturing the details of the traditional dress with utmost care. I carefully gather information and write this to accompany my artwork. I paint what I see in my short life span, documenting what one day will be history.

I look forward to my travels to embrace all the beauty and solitude the Southwest has to offer. This rejuvenates my soul. I feel fortunate to have witnessed babies in their cradleboards, horse drawn wagons, and shepherds tending their flocks, all that was and is slowly going away in the Native American world. As a child and yet today, I am still in awe of the Native culture from their clothing and jewelry to their family life and traditions. To understand the significance of tradition in daily life, adds more than just paint on the canvas.

In the Diné (Navajo) culture, both the women and men keep their hair long. The traditional long hair is tied in a tsiyeel (figure-eight shaped hair bun) to keep knowledge from blowing away. Some say for the hair of either women or men to be left loose to fly in the wind is unthinkable, for it would mean their thoughts were also loose and flying about. The tsiyeel is usually tied with wool yarn, using white for strength and clarity.

My favorite things in life revolve around children. I may choose to depict their simple joy and innocence or their seriousness, which may reflect wisdom beyond their young ages. All these different expressions on children's faces are recognizable and appreciated in any culture. The mere sight of children makes my heart sing. I want to share this with others through my artwork, capturing these precious little spirits for viewers to meet or adopt.

Each trip brings greater insight and knowledge, giving me a better understanding of different cultures, which I strive to share and reflect in my artwork.

“If the paintings in my studio were able to speak, they would plead with me not let these cultures die, their rituals, and traditions deserve to be preserved, revered and live on. I feel truly blessed and privileged to share stories visually th ro ugh my artwork. . .this is my passion.”

Sharon Brening

Watching Sharon connect with First Nations/Native American children of various Arizona and New Mexico tribes is a heartwarming experience. I love seeing shyness melt as she offers her warmth to these young children. Sharon respectfully perpetuates their thousands of years old cultures by honoring their spirits in her paintings. Her commitment to document First Nations/Native American children in their traditional regalia is met by the children's families with respect and gentle encouragement. They are delighted when Sharon requests the children's clan affiliation to include in her information about the paintings.

With her professional approach to realism, Sharon seems to be blessed with the mission to share First Nations/Native American culture with the world, and she doesn't take that responsibility lightly. Her reverence for the spirituality of these peoples is exhibited by her attention to detail.

Carolyn Doyle Smock
White Mountain Apache