Shelly Pamensky: Creating shimmering canvases

Shelly Pamensky creates paintings using raw fabrics primed with layers of gesso, glue and glitter. To finish her artworks Shelly applies thin veils of automotive paint, resulting in multi-faceted, shimmering canvases.

Can you tell us your backstory and how you got into the art world?

I have always painted since I was a child, although I am primarily self taught.  Art has woven itself in and out of my life.  Primarily an oil painter, in more recent years I began to experiment and adopted a mixed media approach to painting.  Always drawn to colour as the main focus of my work I began to experiment with spraying paint over glitter encrusted canvas.

I found the texture and shine compelling and this has become the focus of my work, creating canvases of shimmering colour.  I began exhibiting in art fairs, became a member of Artcan and have participated in numerous groups shows, worked with curators and interior designers and especially enjoy commission driven work, where I can collaborate effectively to produce custom made paintings.

How would you describe your signature style and technique?

My paintings combine glitter and spray paint to produce surfaces of shimmering colour. Taking this idea further my paintings have evolved into woven and fringed versions where I cut, combine and reconstruct these paintings. I work also with different textures in my woven work as I interweave strips of raw linen or paint soaked canvas strips to create a feeling of harmony and balance in my paintings.

Can you tell us about your latest work? Where did you find inspiration and what is the story behind it?

My latest work has mainly been woven canvases and I have experimented with the introduction of sprayed frills to these paintings, again addressing the notion of balance – between the rigidity of the geometric weave, and the softness of the frill. I find much inspiration in the notion of using my art practice to develop my own sense of inner peace, that is why there is such a focus on balance in my work, both in the use of colour and the balancing of different textures.

There is often a polarity in the work which makes it appear calming and cohesive. I am also currently in the process of re-introducing oil paint to my repertoire of works and combining it with airbrush, but this is in its early stages of development, focusing on colour and manipulating the properties of the paint.

Are there any exhibitions or events you are planning? 

Currently working on commission driven work, but I plan to participate in upcoming Artcan events and possibly the Other Art Fair again.

What is the best advice you received as an artist?

Stay true to your artistic integrity and stay in your lane. It is so easy to be influenced by what other artists are doing or what seems to be more commercial, but it’s best to make work that is your own expression and that you feel a connection towards, in this way it will always be unique and the possibility for development unfolds naturally, so you can be present in and enjoy the artistic journey.

For more information about Shelly’s art please visit shellypamensky.com

Shelly Pamensky in part of our curated Artists Source Book for interior designers. You can request a free copy here.

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