Twenty Questions for Artist Sheri Gee




Father and Child by Sheri Gee

Sheri Gee is local fine artist, from here in West Sussex. Whilst her main concentration is portraiture, taking on private commissions aside from her own projects, she also works on landscapes of the local area and equestrian art. Sheri exhibits locally - currently working towards an art trail, Townscape, due to hit East Grinstead on May 30 this year. 

Sheri says, 'I love vibrant colour and enjoy enhancing the unusual but subtle tones that inhabit the everyday, though often going unnoticed….whilst maintaining a likeness of my subject.'

To see more of Sheri's work, visit her website www.sherigee.com, Facebook page, Twitter or sign up for Artfinder, where Sheri sells her work. 

1/ When did you start painting?

Oddly, at the age of three I told my parents that I wanted to be an artist or a violinist'. Seeing as I never took up the violin, art seemed the sensible option! Plus I have always been totally wrapped up in drawing and painting and all things arty.

2/ Did you experiment in different media?

After school, I went on to do a foundation course in Art and Design, and from there, completed a Degree in Illustration. It wasn't until 2001 that I returned to observational drawing, experimenting with all the drawing media that I could (charcoal, pastel, pencil, oil pastel, graphite, inks) before I thought it was high time I moved onto paint. From there I spent many years teaching myself, experimenting and honing my skills, though I'm still learning. 


The Afternoon Rest by Sheri Gee

3/ How did your first commission come about?

 My work is a mixture of self-led pieces and private portrait commissions. My first portrait commission followed a local exhibition - I had a few portraits on display of my own children, amongst other pieces. A friend saw them and asked me if I'd paint her daughter who is the same age.  

4/ What is the best thing about being an artist?

I get to express myself creatively, get totally wrapped up the piece of work, and solve artistic problems (which is how you develop as an artist, the realising and solving of problems). I think humans inherently enjoy problem solving. 

5/ And what’s the worst?

Problems! …and sometimes there not being enough time to create everything you want to create.

6/ Which is your favourite painting? 

It's difficult to pin point a favourite painting, there are so many. When I began to paint properly, I looked at famous artists work and was particularly drawn to John Singer Sargent's paintings.
One of his pieces, I've always found enchanting is Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, of two girls in a floral garden holding chinese lanterns. It's stunning. 

 7/ Did you have a favourite painting when you were a child?

I used to love Monet, particularly The Poppy Field. I went through a bit of an Impressionist period in my early teens. I think I was drawn to the joy in the work.

8/ Do you find using a forum like Facebook or Twitter useful?

I really enjoy connecting with people on Facebook and Twitter. I like it's immediacy and the ability to connect directly with your followers. I like connecting with other artists too, commenting and encouraging them in their work. It's nice to feel you're part of a network of artists. 

9/ Tell us about your work experience.

Currently I'm working on a large project - I'm painting a number of portraits of local people or people connected with the area for an art trail in East Grinstead. Canvasses need to be prepared, meaning painting a ground - a base colour to work on top of - photos need to be taken of the subjects… and then there's the matter of the real painting to be done. Some portraits have been somewhat easy - people I know well, knowing their key characteristics. Some have been harder and involved a lot of problem solving, but a connection to the sitter grows as the likeness eventually comes.

10/ Have you ever had an embarrassing moment?

Many. 

11/ What do artists need most?
I think drive and inspiration are very important. Art can be produced for a number of reasons - personal or commercial or a combination of the two. On a basic commercial level, artists need to have a voice - to get their artwork seen. Thankfully that's where social media is so useful, now.

12/ Which artist do you admire most?

Again, hard to pin point one. I have huge admiration for Bernard Dunstan's work. He paints beautiful domestic, feminine scenes, in soft hues and brush marks. Lucien Freud is also a favourite of mine, along with Tai Shan Schierenberg, who paints monumental faces, which really have to be seen in the person. The internet just doesn't do justice to their size. There's such a wealth of talent out there!

13/ What did you want to be when you were twelve?

An artist

14/ What is your proudest achievement?

I don't really do proud moments...perhaps because I'm not 'there' yet?!

15/ What would you like to see happen in the future?

… in my career? I'd like to see my art bless more people, in as many ways as possible.

16/ What are your fondest memories?

I have very fond memories of a holiday in Venice with my husband. It was my first and only trip there - I was blown away by the beauty of the place. 

17/ Tell us about your hobbies away from art.

I love to knit, cook and sew - anything creative really. I'm very eclectic and seem to attract many projects at the same time. Ask any of my friends or family!

18/ Where do you hope to be when you’re 70?
In my studio

19/ Have you got a place, country or location you’d like to put on canvas?

My husband is from New Zealand and we've taken quite a few trips touring the country in a camper van, particularly the South Island. It's spectacular. Mountains and lakes. Peace like you can't imagine. I've only made a few pieces, but one day on a longer trip, I'd love to do more.

20/ What would be the one piece of advice you would give to an artist?
Enjoy what you do and keep pushing through when the piece gets hard, solve your problems.

 

 

Lift off

As I packed the car I wondered how much stuff I needed for my launch. Unpacking the car was

Let the fun begin

frantic as we were in an unloading bay but my husband helped. Mr Pye helped me put up a display in the window and on the table he had reserved for me and put my pictures on display behind me.
the atmosphere was bustling as there is a coffee shop in the front of the book shop so there was happy chatter all around.

My husband burst through the door and took photos of me the shop and my books then disappeared leaving me to my fate.
My first sale was to a cheery stranger before I had time to wonder if anyone would arrive.
It was lovely to see a smiling face as my friend Pauline came through the door. the morning passed swiftly as more friends arrived.

Beautiful Facade

My host made me feel relaxed and provided me with coffee, very welcome and so different from a friends book signing that l attended recently. He had been stuffed away in the furthest corner hidden from passing eyes while I had a lovely view of the sunny street.
More friends arrived and had coffee with me and chatted as I signed their books, but a husband got lost in the bookshelves and refused to come out without a couple of purchases, as the bookshop has a big section on Railways.

Time for coffee

One lady told me she recognised me from the newspaper article so I really was famous for a week.
As the shop grew quieter I relaxed writing this blog while the bookshop owner washed his windows.

All in all it was an interesting experience and I was relieved to find I didn't feel like a monkey in the zoo. Will I go back? Of course! I've made a new friend and found the perfect venue to launch Lottie Lurcher on the Lee, the tale of a narrow dog on a narrow boat.