Ellen Sherman
Ann Arbor, MI
Website
www.ehsherman.com
How would you describe your work?
I would describe my work as exploratory, playful and very ‘try-this-and-see’ when it comes to the assembling of the pieces. I am currently interested in using the assembled paintings as a metaphor for how we build our individual stories, what we choose to keep/highlight and what we choose to throw away. I like to make things that speak to both sides.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by interactions with people; observed or involved, by how we move through the world and what we leave behind. I find my colors and forms generally from nature, and sketching from life.
Can you speak about your process?
My process is an amalgamation of a few processes. The first is the act of painting. I generally use thinner acrylics to mimic a watercolor effect and will allow gravity to take control of how the painting dries. I like to introduce opposing forces as much as I can; I move the paint but it also has space to do what it wants to do. I don’t force it. From there, it will be finished as is - or, I’ll cut it apart. The cutting can happen right out of the gate, or years later. With pieces from other cut paintings or just layered on itself I’ll build something new mindful of the initial idea or subject I was interested in exploring.
How did you become interested in art?
I have always been a maker of sorts. Growing up I made sculptures out of various flotsam and jetsam (literally too, when I moved to Miami) and would claim most Sundays as a homework free ‘painting day’. I was incredibly lucky as a budding artist that my parents actively encouraged me to make things and consider the things I was making. They are both creative people (I would even call them artists, though they might not call themselves that) and having their support from an early age allowed me to consider going into the arts with a little less trepidation.
Do you have any favorite artists, movies, books, or quotes?
Favorite artists; Tracey Emin, Kiki Smith, Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell
Favorite movies; I adore the first Blade Runner. The hulking, hazy scenes dotted with neon are some of my favorite things to look at.
Favorite books; artbook- I’m currently reading Katy Hessle’s “ The Story of Art (without men). I'm really enjoying it.
Favorite non-artbook- I just finished Circe by Madeline Miller. I still think about the story a lot. Beautifully made.
What advice do you have for younger artists?
I have a few things I like to mention to younger artists, these are things that I think would have been beneficial to me in my journey.
Get a good inventory system and stick to updating it. Whether you pay for a service or use a simple spreadsheet - don’t wait until you have a full collection, or two collections, do it now and get in the habit of updating it every time you have new work. My backlog of pieces to add to my archive system is profound at this point. I am working to correct this, but if you get good at keeping records from the get-go, you’ll be in a much better situation mid-career.
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR ART FRIENDS. Especially if you move to a location without the most vibrant art scene. Having a group of trusted friends to discuss work, attend shows with and just be artsy together is so important.
