In this series, we highlight the many artists who contribute to the deep creative culture of Concord. Across town, many organizations are dedicated to uplifting the visual arts and artists through exhibitions, educational programs, performances, and workspace.

Šárka Botner 

Šárka Botner was born and raised in Prague, Czech Republic. Often called the “the city of a hundred spires,” Prague is a stunningly beautiful city where merchants, artists, and inventors have met since the Middle Ages.

Raised in this environment, Šárka says, “I believe each of us has a creative code that is hardwired into our imagination. My creative impulses, such as capturing details, restoring frescos, putting brushstrokes on a canvas, and translating three-dimensional spaces into two dimensions, are comforting and exciting. When I paint, all my senses become fully engaged, and I seek the intelligence behind the creative process and the relationship that emerges from it.” 

North Bridge Abstract

Šárka’s work reflects spaces that are both real and emotional. “I am inspired by the old masters’ realism, the sense of ancientness that comes through recognizable spaces. But I also find significant value in the more contemporary abstraction of a landscape. Often, I am trying to discover that space on the edge – that sweet spot in between – the ambiguity of its shape and form – light and dark - finding the balance between representational and suggestive, the playing and hinting at information, rather than prescribing it too much or too little,” says Šárka.

Inside of The Old Manse

Šárka recognizes artistry as the basic form from which to explore, engaging all of her senses while seeking the intelligence behind the creative process. Šárka says, “Art gives me the lens through which to interpret and to find the freedom to explore both the inner and outer world where transformation takes place in a captivating and engaging way. Beyond being an artist, as a researcher, clinician, and a philosopher, I enjoy pushing the boundary of human perception and consciousness.”

Find more of Šárka‘s work at SharkaStudio.com, Instagram.com/sharkastudio, Facebook.com/sharkabotner, and Patreon.com/sharkastudio.

All images ©Šárka Botner