Art & Life with sherri harris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherri Harris.

Every artists has a unique story. What has your journey been like?
Growing up, I’d say I never saw myself as an artist. I loved art, craft projects, art classes in school, but never imagined pursuing art as a career. As a matter of fact, I quite reluctantly joined a small art class offered by Joan Moody, about seven years ago. I observed the other artist and just enjoyed our little once a month class. They were the artists and I was the observer. Slowly, what happened was I felt this awakening inside me like I was breathing desperately needed fresh air into my lungs.

At the urging of my art friends and an old high school classmate, I began making cards and sold them in a little boutique shop in Seabrook. My friend, Melinda Emmonds, pushed me to paint more things and consider selling them in a shop for an open house. So, I did and almost sold every painting I painted in that one evening. Who knew? maybe I was an artist?

Then, one day, in my class we began working on abstracts. I jumped in, took a workshop in Taos, New Mexico, by Gwen Fox, who is my favorite abstract artist, and found my new passion.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
In all my art, whether it is florals or landscapes, you will see an abstract element in every painting. I work primarily in acrylics, but usually, finish off my paintings in oil.

I love the process and work that goes into abstracts. My hope is to create pieces of art that speak to the heart of the viewer. I love using vivid colors, deep quiet spaces, shapes, and movement to draw the individual into the painting.

I believe all art speaks and I hope mine speaks to the beauty that is all around us.

What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
The artist today, like in ages past, has an opportunity and responsibility to inspire, encourage and bring beauty into our sometimes harsh world in which we live. We’ve been given gifts and talents that can speak when words fail and we should share it boldly with as many people as possible.  I believe an artist’s goal should be to create what brings life to you and trust it will speak to the viewer and perhaps, change the world.

As an artist, it is impossible not to be influenced by local, national and international events. I know in my abstracts, I have been moved by the refugee crisis, the division and anger in our communities and the need for a place to contemplate. These issues push me to paint pieces that cause us to pause for a moment, take a breath and see how we can all work together if we just listen. Like the colors on a palette, they can work together, they all bring strength and depth into the painting and the painting is weaker if one is left out.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Currently, I have some of my work hanging in Salons by JC, at Baybrook Mall. In Webster.

If you are in the Pearland area, you can also see my 3D Remembrance Pear, in front of the Hilton Garden Inn at Shadow Creek Ranch.

You can also check out my work on my website.

Contact Info:

• Address: Sherri Harris
  512 Lakeside Ln.
  Friendswood, TX 77546
• Website: sherriharrisfineart.com
• Phone: 2817950498
• Email: harrissl1@yahoo.com
• Instagram: sherriharris_artist
• Facebook: Sherri L. Harris

Image Credit:
Leah Elizabeth Photography, Sherri Harris, Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau

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