Shadows of Resilience

In this monoprint, Shari uses hand cut stencils on a metal plate to silhouette the looming guard tower and mountain. Wind and dust were miserable and distinctive elements of life in the camps. She adds this relentless atmosphere to the print by manipulating layers of ink applied to the plate and running the metal plate and print through the press again. After the ink has dried, Shari adds details of ancient marine life and a piece of jewelry made from the shells collected and crafted in the camp, using resources available to the incarcerees. 

Biography

Shari Arai DeBoer is a visual artist working in printmaking, watercolor and book arts. After working as an architect, Shari shifted her focus to visual art. In her art practice she examines wonders of the natural world, the minutiae of everyday life, and her own family stories in the context of larger social and historical issues. Shari is a sansei, a third generation Japanese American. She is active in local organizations that use art to build community and give voice to Asian Pacific American perspectives.

Shari’s paintings and etchings are housed in the Alameda County Art Collection and Library of Congress Fine Print Collection. In 2018 she was awarded an artist residency at the Playa, a center for art and science in Oregon and was an artist-in-residence at the de Young Museum with the Asian American Women Artists Association.