Born in 1961, Alexander Sheversky grew
up in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, helping his father draw on walls.
Literally. His father was an artist who created many murals in their
home and accepted commissions from Soviet officials, which lined their
hallway with canvases. From the time he was 12-years-old until he was
16-years-old, Sheversky helped his father complete these paintings. At
16, he accepted a machinist position in his hometown, but didn't care
for the work. He convinced his father that he wanted to be an artist and
eventually studied at I.E. Repin Academy of Art.[no-sidebar]
After graduation, he worked for a large
department store with other artists who specialized in creating
paintings and displays for the store. In 1986, Alexander began
exhibiting his paintings in Chisinau and critical acceptance and
recognition followed. Russian officials selected him to exhibit in the
competitive environment in Moscow. His success led him to manage a
studio for artists who accepted government commissions.
He continued to exhibit in Moscow every
year until he moved to Israel in 1991 where he lived for seven years.
In 1998, he moved to Toronto, which is where he feels most at home.
Sheversky's artistic style reflects his admiration for Rembrandt and
Vermeer. His masterful chiaroscuro effects produce realism in his
paintings that can be compared to past European masters. He carefully
creates still lifes with a geometrical sense of order and then paints
light in a three dimensional form to produce dramatic effects in his
works. The light and shadow effects seen in his re-creation of draped
material or closely nestled wine bottles showcase his painting skill and
the influence of modern day classicism.
