Treffinger Daily: Sha Sha Higby

Friday, April 30, 2010

Sha Sha Higby

I have emailed this artist and asked for an art and meaning
statement, but I have not received a response. I understand.
Sha Sha Higby is very focused on creating. I am a big fan of
hers although I have only seen her perform once. I am posting
a video of a visit to her studio and some clips of performances
so you can see why I am such a fan. Sha Sha imbues her art
with meaning.

Please have patience downloading, it is well worth it.
For a video of one of her performances please visit
www.ourlivingdream.blogspot.com
Her site:www.shashahigby.com

11 comments:

Blue Sky Dreaming said...: I feel lucky that I'm starting my morning off with having seen this piece of Sha Sha Higby...thank you!!; April 30, 2010 at 9:42 AM
ArtPropelled said...: Extrtaordinary!; April 30, 2010 at 11:40 AM
Katherine said...: Mary Ann and Robyn isn't she the best? I am so glad I thought to share this on my blog.; April 30, 2010 at 10:21 PM
rivergardenstudio said...: Oh, this is amazing. The combination of art and dance, I love it.
roxanne; May 1, 2010 at 2:23 PM
Teri said...: I loved this! It did take me a while to download but well worth the time. I see that she does things in the area. I just might have to go listen to one of her lectures. I loved that she did a solstice party at a friends house. Isn't that just typical Marin county, Katherine? That energy that lives in Berkeley, Occidental, Bolinas, Mill Valley...I could just bathe in it!; May 1, 2010 at 3:52 PM
jbkrost said...: thats just wild!!
good pick

yeah probably want that studio
still love the painting; May 1, 2010 at 4:37 PM
Katherine said...: Roxanne thank you for visiting, yes Sha Sha is amazing.Glad there are videos to watch so that all of us can see her incredible work.; May 6, 2010 at 9:00 AM
Katherine said...: Teri does she do lectures? Anyhow if you ever get the chance see one of her performances. I miss all the abundant talent that was in the SF area when I was there. You are so lucky to be in driving distance.; May 6, 2010 at 9:02 AM
Katherine said...: Thank you JB glad you enjoyed Sha Sha. Thanks again on the painting.; May 6, 2010 at 9:03 AM
Don Gray said...: Amazing shaman figures she evokes...completely transformed by those incredible costumes.; May 6, 2010 at 10:53 PM
Katherine said...: Don I saw her perform in person. Wow it fed the ritualistic/tribal-shamanic part of me. I keep following her to see what she is up to now. What a find this you tube was.; May 6, 2010 at 11:27 PM

The Art And Meaning Project

The Art and meaning Project is a series of responses from various artists to the question: "What meaning does doing art have for you? In other words why do you show up in your studio, or wherever, and pick up your tools day after day?"

This is something I have thought of doing for a while as
a book, but now I have the blog and, who knows, maybe
it could become a book. I am very excited about this. I love hearing the answers. Showing up for their creations is
often an irresistible pull for artists. Many of us at any given
time ask ourselves why we are doing it. All the answers have a different response. Most of us can relate to at least some part of every response.

I want to hear the artists' answers. If you are an artist
and would like to contribute please email me. I will not guarantee that I will post everyone's answer, I need to
see what you have to say first and if it contributes more to the project.

THE ART OF KATHERINE TREFFINGER

ABOUT THE ARTIST
www.katherinetreffinger.com

I spent my childhood in Sausalito, California in the 50’s. It was a magical place, teeming with artists and creative expression. Across the street from our house was one of the coffeehouses where the “bohemians” came to listen to music, and writers such as Allen Ginsberg, Gary Snyder and Jack Kerouac read from their work.

It was a time when San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and Sausalito were home to the abstract expressionist and Bay Area Figurative movements. My missing toys were found in the neighbor’s sculptures. I was often on tiptoes, peering into the windows of nearby studios and coffeehouses. I thrived in the wondrous mystery of this world.

Later, as an adult I had the good fortune to befriend Joseph Raffael and spend time in his studio. This was before I realized I wanted to be an artist myself. I was greatly influenced by his enthusiasm, dedication, and his ability to create beauty.

In hindsight, there was nothing else I really wanted to be than an artist. I paint and draw because I love to … and because I have to. I am primarily self taught.

When I stand before an empty canvas or piece of paper, I am lost, unaware of what to do. In fact, my most satisfying work comes from staying ‘lost’. Navigational confidence is seldom productive for me. Each piece becomes the recording of a unique introspective exploration.