Artist, muralist, photographer, and founding member of Cherokee Artists' Association, Sharon Irla has been taking commissions to create art for businesses and multi-million dollar homes since 1999. One of her first commissions was a 2-year project for several Trompe l'oeil murals, in an Italian Villa styled residence. These well received, realistic murals were featured on the home-design show called "Designing Texas".

Living and working in the Dallas area, Irla has enjoyed the versatility that's required of a commissioned artist, muralist and decorative artist - all rolled into one. Mastering techniques to achieve a enough realism for a Trompe l'oeil (French for "to fool the eye"), is the kind of challenge the artist thrives on and brings to her paintings.

In her most recent works Irla marries realism and texture by creating elaborate Southeastern Native American styled frames with a modeling paste medium, which once carved, resembles the ancient Cherokee technique of stamped pottery. The artist's innovation in "Cherokee Beauty ~ The Shell Earring" (above) won "Best In Show" and "Best In Category" awards at the 2007 Cherokee Art Market ; "Best of Category" award at the 2007 Cherokee Heritage Center's Trail of Tears Art Show & Sale; and "Chief's Choice" award in the 2nd Annual Cherokee Nation Holiday Art Show 2007.

In "Crows Stirring The Magic" (above), a contemporary Creek, Pawnee, Navajo woman is still very much influenced by her Native lore when crows come to call. The playful, yet complex subtlies of her expression as she tells the story of the crows, reveal more than just an artistic pose, as she simultaneously reads the viewer. Winner "Best of Category" at 2008 Trail of Tears Art Show.

"Mother's Prayer" (above), depicts a timeless, cultural portrayal of a Southeastern Native mother in prayer for her unborn child. Within the multiple layers of maternal symbology which speaks to the universal sanctity of motherhood, the artist has woven a common thread with the Cherokee myth of "Selu" - the Corn Mother, both of whom embody the hope of provision for future of generations to come. Winner "Best In Show" at 2008 Five Civilized Tribes Art Show.

In "Tellico Mysteries" (below) Irla uses thick, sometimes texturized gesso to create the look of inlaid elements such as Mahogany, copper patina, limestone, and bronze. Awards: 1st Place (2nd Annual Cherokee Holiday Art Show) & Honorable Mention Award in the 2007 Trail of Tears Art Show.

If you are interested in taking one of her planned workshops at Cherokee Artists' Association, please email her at: irla@cherokeeartistsassociation.org

Above: 'Tellico Mysteries' ~ Mixed Media on 24" x 48" Canvas ~ Sharon Irla © 2007