I am a painter and percussionist from Oakland, California. My current paintings are based on experiences in traditional communities of Cuba and Niger. I have traveled to Cuba often since 1995 to study music and folklore. Inspired by the flourishing traditions on the island, I have done an extensive series of paintings on the subject of folkloric music and dance.

In the summer of 2004 I spent three weeks in Niger, West Africa. I was impressed by the beauty and energy of the people I met, and from snap shots I created a series of gilded portraits of Hausa and Fulani farmers and herdsmen from the Sahel, just south of the Sahara. Because of their formal, idealized poses and gold, copper and silver leaf backgrounds, the portraits recall the Byzantine icons of Russia and Greece.

I have a BFA from UC Berkeley, and an MFA from San Francisco State University. My work has been exhibited throughout the greater Bay Area, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Havana. I teach Drawing and Painting at the College of San Mateo, and at Maybeck High School in Berkeley. I am a member of an all female vocal and percussion ensemble called Ojala.

PORTRAITS FROM FAR & NEAR
at the Addison Street Window Gallery
2018 Addison Street
Berkeley, CA

April 15- May 30th

Reception: April 17th 6- 8pm

Lisa Esherick and Susan Matthews, both East Bay figurative painters and art educators, address the issue of portraiture from different perspectives.

Whereas Matthews has deliberately removed her subjects from their literal surroundings, Esherick has done the reverse, portraying her subjects in the context of their working environment. Both, however, see portraiture as a means of honoring and conveying stature and dignity to their subjects.

Through their respective processes, both artists attempt to raise awareness about issues facing the particular communities that are exemplified by the individuals presented in these portraits.

The Addison Street Windows Gallery is a project of the Civic Arts Program of the City of Berkeley in cooperation with the Civic Arts Commission. For information about the exhibition please contact Susan Matthews at susanmat@Lmi.net or Lisa Esherick at lisa@lisaesherick.com. For information about the Windows Gallery please contact the curator of the Addison Street Windows at (510) 981-7546, or Mary Ann Merker, Civic Arts Coordinator at (510) 981-7533.