FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - ART2ARTCOLORADO by CHERI NELSON

Precarious Balances III

Digital Painting and Collage - 11 x 14 matted

WELCOME, Cheri and her Etsy shop ART2ARTCOLORADO. As Cheri states in her shop's announcement.... Her work includes paintings, assemblages, mixed media and digital art that ranges from representational to abstract. When you pay a visit to ART2ARTCOLORADO you will have a wide selection of these different types of media. I always find it fascinating what can be done with digital painting. Be sure to take a look after you find out a bit more about Cheri and her work by reading her interview below!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've had a love affair with art for as long as I can remember. I was fortunate in my early years to have had some wonderful art educators who sparked my interest in arts and crafts, along with strong support from my parents. Both were in their Master's degree programs, so I think that a desire to learn about the things I loved was almost a natural by-product of being the young child of two students. Art, crafts and books were ways that I could happily pass away the hours, and that remains true to this day.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

Early on, I was strongly influenced by the formal approach of art education. Drawing skills were highly stressed, along with the various elements of design, color theory and composition. I always loved to draw and painting took a natural path off of those early skills. Again, I cannot stress how important that the forward thinking of my teachers was to me. We were always given fun projects that pushed creative thinking and problem solving skills... so, even during the rare times that I would be a bit frustrated with the process, I now can fully appreciate that I was guided with the strong influence of classical art training. I have always loved to work in a variety of media with painting & drawing being my favorite. I spent many of my years in jewelry design working with silver and gold. I have a deep love for waxwork and have tabletop, sculptural pieces ready to cast in bronze if I can ever afford it. I took two years of photography in college and loved playing in the darkroom. I also did a year each in sculpture and also handbuilt clay work. I like experimenting with new media and techniques and love the fact that technology has now given artists one more arena in which to express their creativity with the advent of digital painting software. I am self-taught in digital art and it all began with the great folks over at Wet Canvas. A group of us 'novices' slowly played with this 'new media' and through fun sharing and support, each and every one of us has grown by leaps and bounds. So, as you can see, I've been all over the artistic map and that's where I'm happiest.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I think I enjoy the completion of a project best... and knowing when to quit. It's the wrapping up of what was only a loose idea into a finished object or visual statement that is the icing on the cake. The process is enjoyable, but there is always a goal in mind... a finished piece I see in my head. It's when the creative circle is truly present and then the journey on another path can begin anew.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

I have to smile at this because I've never thought about my work in this way, but I guess it could be a bowl of cherries. Some are sweet, some are tart...and sometimes you have to deal with the pits. Cherries come in a variety of beautiful shades of red, which in many symbolic interpretations is life itself, the lifeforce, the color of both love and blood. So, I guess in this regard, it all has to do with what art does for my inner spirit and the feeding of the deepest part of *me* and my love for how precious all of life truly is.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

I couldn't pick just one. That is, unfortunately, not an option for me. I love the changing of the seasons here in Colorado, the distinct differences, each unique & beautiful in their own right and media choices are like that for me. I have the freedom to not be constrained and that's important to me for discovery. If really pushed, I'd say a simple 2B pencil with a good eraser and some nice paper. I think at the end of my days, I would like to exit my art life much in the same manner as I came into it... and that was with a good pencil in hand.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I think there are many messages in each piece and some more direct than others. Much of my work has to do with environmental issues and my love for wilderness and wildlife. I also tackle some difficult and more serious subjects which are important to me and that have to do with the darker aspects of mankind. Above all, I think art allows for life expansion, both for the viewer and for the artist, it's a strange place where fantasy and reality can become one. There is something truly fulfilling in that visual connection even if the interpretations are not the same. We all take from art a different message, but for me, the interactive connection is where a piece truly has 'life'.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My best advice is to let yourself be free in your work. Listen and learn all you can about techniques as you progress and don't be afraid to break with traditions and try new things. Be open to growth and don't let any setbacks deter you. Learn from mistakes as they happen. Don't listen too intently to the naysayers... they might mean well, but often they do not fully understand your creative dreams or desires. The artistic journey is yours alone to walk, and the directions you can go are wide open. Take risks, enter shows, challenge yourself and be open to progressive thinking and experimentation. You alone forge your pathways, so set clear and attainable goals. Follow your heart yet steer with your head. Above all, have fun on the creative journey.

Cheri, what a great way you have of expressing yourself...not only in your art, but with words as well. Thanks for a wonderful interview.

You can see a lot more of Cheri's creativity by clicking on the links below.