An Interview with Appalachian Artisan Sharon Fisher Lynch

Appalachia has always held traditional and folk-art in high esteem. The mountains are teeming with talented artisans specializing in quilting, woodworking, basket weaving, painting, and various other art forms. In West Virginia, there is a lady who resides on a 117-acre family farm who has a passion for painting.

Sharon Fisher Lynch, who has been painting over twenty years, shares her gift as an Appalachian artisan on antique roofing slates. From animals to landscapes, her artwork can be seen on many a door welcoming guests warmly into homes. Sharon has also instructed numerous classes helping others to enjoy the gift of painting. She is the owner of Sharon's Slates, a small painting business based from her farm.

I caught up with Sharon and spoke with her about her artwork, her teaching, and what she holds dearest in regards to this talent. As we sat on her porch, swinging, on a warm summer day she answered some questions for me:

Alice: So what made you decide to start painting?

Sharon: I wanted something to do to relax. I tried ceramics but it wasn't what I was looking for. Basket making didn't fill the need either.

Alice: You specialize mainly in painting on antique roofing slates, why did you choose these and what can you tell us about them?

Sharon: I chose slates because of the history behind them. My slates came from the roof of a home in Watertown, Ohio, built around Civil War times. I find it amazing that they have survived so long, and they deserve recognition. My paintings give them that. I constantly look for old slate roofs as I travel. Most of them are along the Ohio River, in small towns.

Alice: What are your favorite subjects to paint?

Sharon: Landscapes in acrylics. Mountain or country subjects are my favorite.

Alice: What can you tell us about your past clientele? Who buys these slates?

Sharon: For many years I sold the slates at local craft shows and festivals. At that time I got to meet the people buying the slates. I liked that. Recently, my slates were given as "house warming" gifts by a realtor friend in Florida. She chose the theme of the picture for the slate. This was determined by the homebuyers' favorite geographic location, hobbies, etc. For several years I have painted slates for The Shay Shoppe, a gift shop at Cass Scenic Railroad in WV. One of the favorites there is the old Shay # 5 steam engine. I created a pattern for the locomotive and it is one of the top sellers.

Alice: I understand that you also teach adult education painting classes. What would you recommend to others who would like to learn how to do this?

Sharon: Don't feel as though you cannot paint because you have no artistic ability. Everyone starts somewhere. Painting is a wonderful hobby that is both relaxing and rewarding. I always tell my students that there is no passing or failing in my classes. If they are happy with their work, that means I have been successful in my teaching.

Alice: What other types of mediums do you work with? Do you have any aspirations on learning new techniques?

Sharon: I mostly paint with acrylic paints. I have used oil paint also. I am pondering the art of painting on large round river rocks. There are some absolutely beautiful animals painted on these rocks, and used for display in homes or flower gardens. It is something I am considering.

Alice: Finally, what is your most memorable moment in regards to your painting career?

Sharon: Truly, I think that moment happened only recently!! The past couple of years I have donated a slate to be auctioned off at the Nichol's Memorial Motorcycle Run, in Clay County, WV. This is a large group of Harley Davidson riders from several states that get together for a motorcycle ride, auction, cookout and entertainment. The proceeds from the run are donated to local children with terminal illnesses. It is very similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year my slate sold for $275.00!! I watched with amazement as the bidding went on. I was truly touched that such a large amount of money was given for the slate. That money went for a very good purpose. I am looking forward to next years auction.

As we wrapped up our interview, I couldn't help but admire the beauty of the farm as the sun was setting. Lightening bugs were shimmering and the sound of frogs and crickets could be heard in a melody welcoming in nightfall. Living in surroundings such as this, it is no wonder that Sharon is often inspired to paint such breathtaking artwork.