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From the dusty crevices between the floorboards of a rented house in 1960s San Francisco, an unquenchable desire to sculpt life from emptiness took root.
Meet Shray, a fine artist and sculptor of profound emotional depth, whose ideas ascend to unimaginable heights. She is a seer of the insightful and profound, gracing conversations with a blend of confidence and whimsical contemplation. Yet her journey hasn’t always been clear-sighted.
In her challenging adolescent years, amidst family turmoil and the cultural upheaval of the 1960s, Shray sought to fill a deep chasm of love and belonging. A formative moment arose when she fashioned a figure from the dirt seeping through the floorboards of her childhood home. In that solitary moment, she discovered her calling to render human emotions in tangible form.
Shray’s artistic approach is a unique, reverse method of sculpture, dubbed ‘The Subtraction Method’. She strives to fill the intangible void with tangible forms that represent love, kindness, and a sense of cherished belonging.
A visit to the Louvre in Paris at age 15 cemented her aspirations. The plethora of artwork captivated her instantly, affirming her resolve to create fine art. Achievements soon followed, including the coveted 5 Rings Award at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 for her sculpture ‘Raising Tomorrow’s Olympic Champions.’
Shray’s mastery lies in her unconventional use of the subtraction technique, where the form is found within the clay. She carves the clay as a stone sculptor, working with lines and shadows, eliminating material as she sculpts. Her works have drawn comparisons to the ‘simplicity of form’ of Henry Moore and the emotive sculptures of Rodin and Brancusi.
Her sculptures reveal a deeper understanding of mankind’s ability to grasp the figurative manipulation of mass. They invite full exploration by spectators, encouraging them to appreciate both the approachable forms and their pertinent messages.
Shray’s current focus is a technique she calls Interactive Expressionism. She encourages viewers to engage with each piece and add their own narrative. “This is not a style, but a palette,” Shray says. “It is an infinite dialogue—a place where the mind can wander without fear of being directed how to react, how to see.”
Over the past three decades, Shray’s work has received national and international recognition, awards, and commissions. Her bronze sculpture, ‘Raising Tomorrow’s Olympic Champions,’ traveled worldwide as a top selection of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
Her works are held by the Spencer Royal Family and the Rockefeller Collection and are treasured for their ability to encapsulate human emotions in stillness. Lady Lorie Spencer once remarked that Shray’s sculptures “let them breathe.”
Shray’s artistry continues to evolve. Her current exhibition, ‘Moment in Time,’ showcases her newest works, which aim to capture movement in stillness within her paintings. Her objective is to create two-dimensional artwork that possesses length, width, and depth, revealing a strong sense of universality and inviting personal identification.
From a child sculpting figures on a dusty floor to an acclaimed artist, Shray’s journey remains guided by her exploration of the human condition.
CURRICULUM VITAE
2017
Featured Sculptor, Classic Art Gallery, Carmel, CA
2014
Featured Sculptor, S. R. Brennen Galleries, Scottsdale, AZ
2014
Summer Exhibition, Featured Sculptor, S. R. Brennen Galleries, Scottsdale, AZ
A collection of works that used color to create depth and form on a 2-dimensional surface.
2013
Experiments with foam, handmade paper, color and wire
2013
Beauty 360 of Greenbrae Presentation, Mixed Media Jewelry
2013
Beauty 360 of Greenbrae on display
2012
Developed new fabrication technique for bronze flow
2012
Public demonstration, Riley Art, San Rafael, California
2012
New sculptures cast by Piero
2010-11
Creation of Reduction Series, Bronze Sculpture
2010
Private mentoring, Bay Area, Northern California
2008
Recipient of 5 Rings Award, Beijing Sculptor Landscape Invitational, 2008 Summer Olympic Games, Beijing, China
2008
Winner, Excellent Distinction Award, Beijing Organizing Committee, Olympic Games
2007
Selected for Beijing Olympics World Tour, “110 Excellent Works Winners,” Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG)
2007
Private consulting for sculpture restoration and critique
2007
Studied color, ink and water-based pastels with Patrick Haverman, for a forthcoming series.
2006
Continued exploration of patinas and forms with Alan Osborne, owner of Art Foundry, Shray’s exclusive foundry where Osborne oversees every element of the casting to ensure museum quality work. Alan Osborn is a Jesuit-educated, university-level art professor, and internationally accomplished installation artist. He is very selective in the artists he chooses to cast and has chosen to work with Shray. Osborn has guided Shray as she expands into public work installations.
2005
Continued exploration of patinas with master painter, Karl Reichley
2001-03
Elected board member, San Rafael Downtown Arts Center, San Rafael, California
1990-present
Sculptural Consultant for refinement of master artworks
1998-present
Private Tutor, Sculpture & Painting
1990-98
Mentored with Italy’s Piero Mussi, founder of the internationally renowned Mussi Artworks Foundry of Berkeley, California; learned foundry functions, bronze casting processes, and experimented with patinas. It was during this time that I learned how to create sculpture that can be successfully transformed into bronze, while still honoring the concept of the original clay—the process I call “from earth to metal.” I learned how to have the form not fight the hot metal. I owe this ability to Piero’s giving me free rein of the foundry to learn, and his unquestionable eye for form that he brought out in me.
1985-86
Under the tutelage of master painter, Patrick Haberman, studied color theory, sculpting and human anatomy
1985
Studied ancient Greek sculpture and the works of Michelangelo at the Louvre; studied Auguste Rodin at Musée Rodin, Paris, France
1983
Studied the masterworks of Rodin (and his ability to capture movement in stillness) at the Legion of Honor Museum, San Francisco, California
1982-83
Extensive study of the bronzes at The Cantor Art Center’s collection of Rodin, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
1981
Awarded full scholarship to the San Francisco Academy of Art
1980-89
Color design for the interior and exterior of residential buildings; restoration of residential historical buildings and artwork in San Francisco
1980-83
Interior architectural design for selected clients
1979
Grant awarded to attend San Francisco Art Institute
1978
Awarded full scholarship to the San Francisco Academy of Art
Childhood
Being the child of artist Pamela Winder Clancy, her mother began exposing Shray to art as an infant, and continued to do so for the rest of her life; she had an extensive background in, and love for, fine art and art history
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Artist Advisory Board, Artworks Downtown, San Rafael, California
- National Sculptor Society, New York, New York
- International Sculpture Center (I.S.C.), New Jersey
- Allied Artists of America
AWARDS & COMMISSIONS (PARTIAL LIST)
2008
Recipient of 5 Rings Award Beijing, 2008 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES, BEIJING, CHINA
2008
Winner, Prize of Excellence, Olympic Landscape Sculpture, Competition, Beijing Organizing Committee, Olympic Games
2007
As One commissioned for medical institution, Colorado
2007
Selected at one of two Americans in the “Excellent Works” category for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Sculpture competition.
2006
Balance Winner of Industry Award, 3rd Annual Sculpture competition, Sculptural Pursuit Magazine
2003
Forevermore, Life-size sculpture donated by Heart of Hearts (philanthropic organization) to the Littleton Hospital, Denver, Colorado
2002
Balance, 1st Place, Her Story Art Exhibition, Manhattan Arts, New York, New York
2001
International Sarah Faith Award, commissionAlways, Commission, Lady Spencer Collection
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS (PARTIAL LIST)
2018
Naples Art, Antique, Jewelry Show, Naples, FL
2018
Winner, Prize of Excellence, Olympic Landscape Sculpture, Competition, Beijing Organizing Committee, Olympic Games
2018
Palm Beach Jewelry, Art, Antique Show, Palm Beach, FL
2018
Mystical Forces, Group Show, Salomon Gallery, New York, NY
2017
Blk Clök, Art Basel Week, Miami, FL
2017
Holiday Miniatures Exhibition, Classic Art Gallery, Carmel, CA
2017
Holiday Show, Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2017
Featured Sculptor, Carmel Art Festival, Carmel, CA
2017
Spring Arts Festival, Classic Arts Gallery, Carmel, CA
2016
Sedona First Friday, Renée Taylor Gallery, Sedona, AZ
2016
Group Exhibition, Pfister Hotel Pop-Up Gallery, Milwaukee, WI
2016
Juried Exhibition, X Contemporary Show, Miami, FL
2016
Group Exhibition, S R Brennan Gallery, Palm Desert, CA
2016
Sculpture in the Park Invitational, Carmel Art Festival, Carmel, CA
2016
24th Annual Tribute to Fine Art, Classic Gallery, Carmel, CA
2016
Group Show, Featured Sculptor, S. R. Brennen Galleries, Scottsdale, AZ
2015
23rd Annual Tribute to Fine Art, Classic Art Gallery, Carmel, CA
2015
22nd Annual Carmel Art Festival, Carmel, CA
2014
22nd Annual Tribute to Fine Art, Classic Art Gallery, Carmel, CA
2014
Summer Exhibition, Featured Sculptor, S. R. Brennen Galleries, Scottsdale, AZ
2014
Summer Exhibition, Featured Sculptor, S. R. Brennen Galleries, Palm Desert, CA
2013
21st Annual Tribute to Fine Art, Classic Art Gallery, Carmel, CA
2013
Summer Exhibition, Featured Sculptor, S. R. Brennen Galleries, Santa Fe, NM
2012
Charity Invitational Auction, Classic Art Gallery, Carmel, CA
2012
Summer Exhibition, Featured Sculptor, S. R. Brennen Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2012
Featured Artist, Sculpture, S.R. Brennen Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
2011
Annual Carmel Art Festival, Classic Art Gallery, Carmel, CA
2011
Annual Carmel Art Festival, Classic Art Gallery, Carmel, CA
2010
Featured Artist, Sculpture, S.R. Brennen Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
2010
Group Show, Waxlander, Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2010
Annual Carmel Arts Festival, Classic Art Gallery, Carmel, CA
2009
Solo Exhibition, Art Foundry Gallery, Sacramento, CA
2009
Group Show, Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2009
Annual Carmel Art Festival, Classic Art Gallery, Carmel, CA
2009
Group Show, “Bronze Then and Now,” Art Foundry Gallery, Sacramento, CA
2009
Annual Tribute to Fine Art, Charity Invitational Auction, Classic Art Gallery, Carmel, CA
2008
Featured Artist, Sculpture, “Celebration of the Season,” S.R. Brennen Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
2008
Featured Artist, Sculpture, CATTOLOGE, Gallery 444, San Francisco, CA
2008
Group Exhibition, Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2008
“Le Chat Noir,” Group Exhibition, Gallery 444, San Francisco, CA
2008
Recipient of 5 Rings Award Beijing, 2008 Summer Olympic Games, Beijing, China
2007
“Sculpture on View” The Art Foundry, Inc., Sacramento, California with Shray, Peter Voulkus, Bruce Beasley and Nathan Oliveira
2007
Raising Tomorrow’s Olympic Champions on view in Hong Kong as part of the Olympic Sculpture tour
2007
Featured Sculptor, Opening Gala, Ed Chasen Fine Art Gallery, Georgetown, Wash, D.C.
2007
Accepted submission Raising Tomorrow’s Olympic Champions tours internationally as part of 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China
2007
2006
Special Event exhibition, La Posada Hotel, Santa Fe, NM
2006
East Meets West in Harmony, Art Foundry Gallery, Sacramento, CA
2006
Special Demonstration/Lecturer, Borsini-Burr Gallery
2006
Accepted submission for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China on exhibit, Beijing JinTai Museum, Chaoyang Park. Among the dignitaries viewing the design Raising Tomorrow’s Olympic Champions, was Antonio Samaranch, Chairman of the International Olympic Committee, along with Chinese government, cultural and arts officials.
2006
“Harmony” Exhibit, Featured Sculptor, Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2006
“Sculpture in The Park” Invitational juried exhibition, Loveland, CO
2006
“From Earth to Metal” Lecture and Demonstration, Half Moon Bay, CA
2005
“Holiday Show,” Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2005
Eskelporter Art Exhibition, Juried exhibition, Featured sculptor, Benefit for Sierra Adoption Services, Sacramento, CA
2005
Gala Opening, Featured Artist, Post Gallery, Houston, TX
2005
“Sculpting the Emotions of Life” Solo Exhibition, Borsini-Burr Galleries, Half Moon Bay, CA
2005
“New Beginnings” Featured Sculptor, Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2005
“From Earth to Metal: Creation of Bronze,” Lecture, Borsini-Burr Galleries, CA
2004
“Three Women Sculptors” Rice Gallery, Denver, CO
2004
“Sculpture in The Park” Juried Exhibition, Loveland, CO
2004
“Balance of the Soul” Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2004
Sculpture Exhibition, Rice Gallery, Denver, CO
2003
Featured Sculptor, Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2003
Christmas Show, Rice Gallery, Denver, CO
2003
“Heart of Hearts Gala,” Guest Sculptor & Speaker, Denver, CO
2002
“Two-Person Show/Featured Sculptor” Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2002
HERStory, 1st Place, Juried competition, Manhattan Arts, New York, NY
2002
10th Anniversary Group Show, Exclusive Sculptor, Portnoy Galleries, Carmel, CA
2002
Associate Member Show, Downtown Art Works, San Rafael, CA
2001
Associate Member Show, Downtown Art Works, San Rafael, CA
2001
“Time and Space” Featured Sculptor, Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2000
“The Work of Shray,” Solo Exhibition, Portnoy Galleries, Carmel, CA
2000
“Two-Person Exhibition,” Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2000
“Invitational Bronze Sculpture,” Bank One Cover Invitation, Featured Artist, San Francisco, CA
1999
“Finding Form” Lecture/Demonstration, Portnoy Galleries, Carmel, CA
1999
“Beauty That Surrounds Us,” Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
1998
Solo Show, Portnoy Galleries, Carmel, CA
1998
“Subtractionist Method,” Lecture/Demonstration Portnoy Galleries, Carmel, CA
1998
“The Forms in Clay,” Lecture/Demonstration, Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
1996
Featured Sculptor, Portnoy Galleries, Carmel, CA
1996
“Miguel Domingues Show,” Portnoy Galleries, Carmel, CA
1995
Featured Sculptor: Jacques Dunoyer Show, Portnoy Galleries, Carmel, CA
1995
Open House Gala, Exclusive Exhibit, NFL Players Assoc., San Francisco, CA
1994
Solo Exhibition, Portnoy Galleries, Carmel, CA
1994
Juried Group Show, Ludwa Gallery, Carmel, CA
1994
“Sculptor” Exclusive Sculptor, Juried Show, Out of Bounds Gallery, San Francisco, CA
1993
“Women in Bronze” Invitational, Artworks Foundry & Gallery, Berkeley, CA
1993
“Exclusive Sculptor,” Juried Show, Ludwa Gallery, Carmel, CA
1993
Annual Membership Show, Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, CA
1993
Juried Exhibition, Bay Arts Gallery, San Francisco, CA, provided feature piece Arise Fountain
1992
Solo Show, Juried Exhibition, Azido Arts Gallery, San Francisco, CA
1986
Featured piece for Juried Group Show, San Francisco Art School, San Francisco, CA
1984
Solo Show, “Color & Form,” Putnam Associates, San Francisco, CA
1982
Juried Group Exhibition, San Francisco Academy of Art, San Francisco, CA
1979
Group Show, San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco, CA
1978
Group Show, Acrylic paintings, San Francisco Academy of Arts, San Francisco, CA
1978
Winner, “Juried Scholarship Competition”, San Francisco Academy of Art, San Francisco, CA
BIBLIOGRAPHY & PUBLICATIONS (PARTIAL LIST)
2007
“Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) Selects Sacramento, CA to Launch U.S. Tour, Sacrament Bee
2007
“Art Foundry Hosts 2008 Beijing Sculpture Competition,” Copper in the Arts
2006
Interview about participation in the Beijing 2008 Olympics International Sculpture Tour, Arts and Antiques Magazine
2006
Balance announced as winner of the Industry Award, Sculptural Pursuit Magazine
2006
“Rising Star,” Feature Article, Art Talk Magazine
2006
“Sculptors Go for Olympic Gold,” Feature Article, Art Talk Magazine
2006
Announcement of inclusion in 2008 Beijing Olympic Games International Sculpture Tour,Arts & Antiques Magazine
2006
“Sculpting the Emotions of Life, Feature Article, Luxury Living Magazine
2006
“Olympic Bronze Sculptor Shray Garners Highest Rating for 2008 Beijing Olympics Sculpture Competition,” Yahoo! Front Page
2005
Selected Artist, Front Cover, Carmel Gallery Guide
2005
“Sculptor Shray comes to Half Moon Bay,” Half Moon Bay Review
2005
“Focus of Demonstration: Shray,” The Arts, Half Moon Bay, California
2004
”Balance of the Soul,” Focus, Santa Fe, New Mexico
2003
“Balance” 1st Place, HERStory Arts Competition announcement, Manhattan Arts, New York, NY
2002
“Shray’s Forevermore,” Heart of Hearts Gala, Rocky Mt. News
2001
“Working Together,” Featured Article, Independent Journal
2000
Selected Artist, Front Cover, Carmel Gallery Guide
1999
“Finding Form, Magical Process,” New Mexican
1999
“Depth of Feeling,” Feature Article, Santa Fe Magazine
1997
“Life in the Arts,” Televised Interview, National Educational Broadcast
1997
“Artist Resource,” Southwest Arts Magazine
1996
“Sculptor Who Does Things Her Own Way,” Cover Story, Monterey Sunday Herald
1995
“Royal tea with Lady Churchill Spencer,” Monterey Herald
SELECTED PRIVATE COLLECTIONS (PARTIAL LIST)
- Beijing Olympic Committee
- N. Rockefeller, California
- Royal Spencer Family, England & USA
- & Mrs. W. Chan, Hong Kong
- & Mrs. Ted Levinson, California
- A. Castro, Atlanta, Georgia
- M. Mueller, Switzerland
- & Mrs. N. Theumann, Switzerland
- & Mrs. J. Cohen, New York
- & Mrs. Figliolia, New York
- Judith Itkin, New York
- Kevin Dowd, Connecticut
- Camilla Carroll, Maryland
- & Mrs. E. Rose, Florida
- & Mrs. B. Fortson, Texas
- & Mrs. D. Yost, Texas
- James Unruh, Unisys Corporation, Arizona
- & Mrs. D. Ainge, California
- T. Chou, California
- Hans Zweig, California
- Piero Mussi, Owner, Mussi Artworks Foundry & Gallery, Italy
- & Mrs. B. Leroy, Alberta, Canada
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