Cheryl Kessler
Q&A:
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? My earliest memories are of painting with my artistic grandmother when I was about 9.
When did art become a pursuit? Art became a pursuit in high school.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? Self-taught, but have taken many classes over the years.
How did you first become involved with CAA? A friend sent me some information regarding entering work for a show and I did.
Lights over Tokyo, fabric.
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? Other than exhibiting at various places, I’m not.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? I think artists play an important role in society, their work reflects current thought and trends as well as a way to help advance social changes and awareness.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I currently work in mixed media collage. I have been involved in mixed media in quilting and found it was a natural Segway into the use of paper combined with my own photographs. I also quilt, which I do continually.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I generally find art in photos that I have taken. I then decide how to collage my piece by using the photo, paper, fabric, paint and other elements. When I’m quilting I’m drawn to color and design.
Kimonos in Kyoto, photography, paper
collage and quilted fabric.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? I generally look for photos that may be a bit quirky or other photos that represent places I have visited. When I’m quilting I’m often influenced by a particular design and it’s relationship to color. There’s not necessarily a reoccurring theme.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? One of my favorite pieces is my 3 Japanese women in Kimonos.
What is one of your artistic goals? To try to create a very large collage.
What’s your favorite place to see art? The Sydney Art Gallery.
Color Burst, fabric.
What living artists are you inspired by? Gerard Richter, Julio Agualara, Frank Stella, & Katie Pasquini Masopust.
Do you own any art by other artists? Yes I do. Several from my children, pieces from art school students and several sculptures and paintings from other artists.
Do you have any shows coming up? I’m currently exhibiting at the Whisler Museum in Lowell and have entered several pieces in Artspace for review.