Artist Statement
In my work, I use various materials to express the language of abstraction in floral-like forms
Each series of work acts as a marker of time, pulling together my love of contemporary idioms such as graffiti, texture, calligraphy and design producing images that coalesce into an unexpected collision of joy, drawing inspiration from the expressive color fields of Richard Mayhew and the lyrical, gestural mark-making of Cy Twombly.
Furious Flowers” is an ongoing series, started in the fall of 2021. It is influenced by the often veiled or under-appreciated achievements of women, especially African-American women from history’s mainstream chronicles. These floral forms act as symbols of honor for each woman, to communicate my feelings of gratitude and reflect our ultimate interconnection to each other.
Soft in the Fire, and Breathe Flowers are both series in which my work brings together my commitment to sustainability, incorporating recycled silk and cardboard as foundational materials to minimize environmental impact and celebrate the transformative potential of upcycled elements, with glass beads adding tactile richness. This approach reflects my broader intention to promote environmental stewardship and highlight the value of creative reuse in art, inviting viewers into a layered visual experience where abstracted floral forms both reflect artistic expression and thoughtful creation.
Bio
Cheryl is native of Detroit, Michigan. She currently lives and works in New York City. Cheryl is a graduate of The University of Michigan (BGS), New York University (MPS), and The Parsons School of Design (AAS). She has also studied with abstract landscape painter Brian Rutenberg. Cheryl’s work has been shown in throughout the eastern United States