Collection: E. Sherman Hayman

Bio

E. (Mur) Sherman Hayman is a Philadelphia-based mixed media artist who specializes in the technique of sgraffito: multi-layering of wax/oil crayons and iridescent oil pastels, then using various tools to scratch through, thus creating texture, pattern, and some  pretty innovative colors. She uses black museum board as a base, and often incorporates manipulated balsa wood for added dimension.

Hayman was born in Newport News, VA, attended Hollins College (now Hollins University), and studied art in Paris, where she lived for two years. She then moved to Philadelphia to attend The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

Major exhibitions over the past years include those at Cerulean Arts, Philadelphia; Goggleworks, Reading, PA: Lake Eustis Museum of Art, Florida; Rosenfeld Gallery, Philadelphia; James Oliver Gallery, Philadelphia; Franz Bader Gallery, Washington D.C; and Arlington Arts Center, Virginia. Selected group shows and invitationals include “Nursery Rhymes for Questionable Times” at InLiquid-Crane Arts, Philadelphia; “Deconstructing Bowie” and “Philadelphia Freedom”, The National Liberty Museum, Philadelphia; “One Nation”, The Heller Museum, NYC; Art in City Hall, Philadelphia), Sande Webster Gallery, Philadelphia; and The Philadelphia Foundation (with the Philadelphia Art Alliance).

Artist Statement

"For the past 30 years my studio practice has focused mainly on social issues important to me- gun violence, politics, death customs - but has also covered certain subjects, based on a variety of academic research, that might be described under the category “Cabinet of Curiosities”.

Most all of my series have embraced TEXT as IMAGE. As a lapsed English major, I not only incorporate text and illuminate words, but also commemorate odd adages and quotations.

My work is known for its unique and quirky approach, with an encyclopedic mindset, and is always about MESSAGING. Working with a bright, textured palette, combined with sometimes controversial subject matter, there is a purposeful seductive/repellent aspect at play.

My sgraffito technique, involving multi-layers of media scratched through with various tools, invites close-up inspection.

‍…….quand je me heurte á quelque chose que je ne puis changer, que je ne peux résoudre, que je ne peux redresser, je l’élimine. Je l’évacue dans un livre.  Apres je ne suis pus oppressé. Je dors mieux.

Romain Gary, author, activist, French consul

Chien Blanc

France, 1970

‍…….when I run into something I am unable to change, that I cannot resolve, that I cannot make better, I eliminate it. I expel it out into a book. Afterwards I no longer feel stressed. I sleep better.

Romain Gary, White Dog"