Shel Neymark
Shel grew up near Oak Park Illinois where he found inspiration in the architecture and architectural decoration of Frank Lloyd Wright. He has been a full time artist since 1974, when he graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in ceramics.
Since moving to Northern New Mexico in 1976, he has focused on the creation pieces for installation in both public and private spaces. His work is in collections throughout the United States.
Shel created of three large public art pieces in the state of New Mexico., each took about two years to complete. For pieces in Truth or Consequences and Artesia New Mexico, he designed public plazas and built sculptural fountains and seating. The third is a large fountain and bench at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden in Albuquerque. All incorporate lots of handmade colorful ceramics.
Though Shel has worked in stained glass on and off throughout his career, his interest fusing and slumping glass began in 2002 when he wanted to create some sculptural light fixtures for a house he was building. He was seduced by the look of light filtering through colored glass, and now divides his time between working in clay and glass.
An avid traveler and hiker, Shel’s influences include both forms from nature and architecture and art he has seen throughout the world. He has visited Barcelona many times to see the work of Antonio Gaudi. He is also inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
Shel enjoys designing and creating site specific commissions, both large and small. He wants his work to help make spaces lively and beautiful
Date of Birth: 1951
Associations:
Awards:
Commissions:
2006 City Hall Signs, Artesia, NM
2005 Courtyard, including fountain, benches, firepit, planters, counter, Private home, Taos NM
2005 Fourty four ceramic street signs, city of Artesia NM
2004 Stained Glass Window, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Velarde NM
2003 Tile Mural and Signs for the city of Artesia NM
2002 Mural for Entry Gate, Heritage Walkway, Artesia NM
2000-01 Las Palomas Plaza at Geronimo Springs, fountain and benches for the city of Truth or Consequences NM
1999-2000 Heritage Walkway Fountain, 140’l, 5 fountains for the city of Artesia NM
2000 Handrail, Health Centers of New Mexico Embudo Clinic, Embudo NM
1998 Enchanted Isle Fountain, private home, Embudo NM
1997 Abstract Murals, Los Alamos Credit Union, Espanola NM
1994-96 Rosalie Doolittle Fountain, Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Albuquerque NM
1993 Tropical Mural, 14'x 9' & Undersea Bathroom (whole room environment) Cowart home, Tesuque NM
1993 Weird Things in Space mural, Gluckstern home, Dobbs Ferry, NY
1992 Desert Oasis mural, 17' x 8', McKernan Home, Palm Springs, CA
1991 Relief Tile, Fitzgerald Casino, Las Vegas, NV
1990 Tile Murals and Signage for the city of White Rock, NM; Fireplace Surround, John McVie home, Los Angeles, CA
1989 Saguaro Arch tile door surround and several murals, Brian Dennehy home, Santa Fe, NM; Tile Table, Holiday Inn Corporation, Memphis, TN
1988 Three Columns and several murals, James Seitz home, Santa Fe, NM
1986 Two Relief Murals, AT&T, Kansas City, MO
Education: Washington University, St. Louis Missouri, BFA in Ceramics 1974
Group Exhibitions:
2003 New Mexico Clay Artists, Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe NM
2000 Artistry in Tile, Greater Reston Art Center, Reston VA
1999 Modern Masters, Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe, NM
1998 The Art of Installation, Wayne Art Center, Wayne PA
1995 New Mexico Clayworkers, Governors Gallery, State Capitol, Santa Fe, NM
1993 Potters for Peace invitational, San Diego, CA
1991 New Mexico Clay; Five Independent Visions, Gallery 3, Phoenix, AZ
1988 One Man Show, The Sombraje Collection, Santa Fe, NM
1987 Two Person Show, Armory for the Arts, Santa Fe, NM
1986 Taos Today, Stables Gallery, Taos, N.M.
1984 Southwest Midwest Clay Art Exchange, Lill Street Gallery, Chicago IL and New Mexico Museum of Fine Arts, Santa Fe, NM; One Man Show, Artists' Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
1983 One Man Show, Gallery 500, Elkins Park, PA; Clay in New Mexico, Fine Arts Museum, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM; Shidoni Annual Sculpture Show, Tesuque, NM
1982 One Man Show, Artists' Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
1981 Craftworks III, Downtown Center for the Arts, Albuquerque, NM
Solo Exhibitions:
Travel: Nationally, Yes Internationally, Yes
Press Quotes:
Maker's Statement:
I have been a full time artist for 33 years. Since 1996 I have created a number of large-scale outdoor public projects. I am concerned with the loss of civic space in our communities and attempt to address that with my designs.
I often use imagery relevant to the project’s community.
In addition to my public work, I have completed private residential and commercial commissions around the country. I work in both abstract and representational styles.
I also make glass plates, lamps, tile, glass or tile tables, and lighting fixtures for sale in galleries and from my studio.
Ceramics and glass are my primary media. I use ferro cement and metal as components in my work.
Throughout my years as an artist the exploration of color has been a primary concern in my work. Light filtering through colored glass, unexpected juxtapositions of color, glazes fading from one color to another, these things give me pleasure. I enjoy the challenge of designing for site specific spaces, helping to create spaces that are lively and beautiful.
Applications for apprentices are welcome.
Studio visits are welcome.
Commissioning Procedure
Information about Commissioning My Work
I enjoy doing commissions. I like doing site specific for public and private spaces, indoors and outdoors.
Small commissions, such as a single light fixture, can be done in about six weeks. Large commissions can take months or a year or more.
When designing for site specific places, schematic drawings of the space are helpful as are photos and any other information. A site visit may be necessary for large or complex commissions.
I am flexible in designing pieces and welcome the input of my clients concerning design, color, images, etc. I will not copy the work of another artist or designer.
If forms are needed for projects such as fountains, I can subcontract them or they can be supplied or built by the client.
I charge a fee for drawing and design time, based on the complexity of the project. I also charge a fee for my time if I am required at installation. I can work with my own helpers or those supplied by the client.
I usually require ½ down as a deposit and the second half payable on completion. I can work out a different payment schedule if it is appropriate for the project or the client.
Pricing Policy
VAT Registered: No
