By Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer
Louise Seirmarco-Yale stands as a beacon in the world of visual arts, celebrated for her dedication to both creating and teaching art.
Seirmarco-Yale knew she wanted to be an artist since she was a child. She pursued her passion conscientiously, earning a bachelor of fine arts degree in studio art at Michigan State University and a master of fine arts in art history, with a minor in higher education, at Western Michigan University.
Her professional career as a painter began in 1976. “My paintings reflect my interest in people,” she said. “From single line drawings to 12-foot stretched canvases, I have portrayed attitudes of people and their place in our natural world all my life. I like to express the 'feel' of things and communicate that to the viewer.”
Thirty years ago, from her Reston home studio, Seirmarco-Yale sold more than 1,000 paintings within a single decade. Her work is always evolving in terms of subject matter, technique, and materials. She may add texture with unlikely natural items – like a shed snakeskin or a discarded wasp’s nest, or use old cigar boxes or wooden roof shingles as the basis for her creations. Her current inventory exceeds 3,000 pieces.
Seirmarco-Yale’s passion for art extends beyond her own creations. Early in her career, she taught drawing and painting techniques, as well as art theory and criticism at community colleges. In her subsequent role as Director of the Toledo Museum of Arts’ Docent Educational Program, she equipped volunteer guides with the skills to make art accessible and engaging for all visitors.
As a testament to Seirmarco-Yale’s conviction that art should be inclusive and accessible, she recently published “Art, You Be the Judge: Reawaken Your Instinct and Enjoy Art on Your Own Terms.” The book guides readers to overcome their insecurities about appreciating art; its insightful exercises encourage them to reconnect with their inner creative voices and embrace their unique perspectives on art.
Beginning in this issue, The Reston Letter will feature Seirmarco-Yale’s insights in a monthly column that will bring her expertise and enthusiasm directly to our readers.
Comments