Interview
Cheryl Gillerman
Gillerman’s passion for photography began in the 1980s while studying graphic design and studio photography at Ray College of Design in Chicago, Illinois, where she also developed film in a darkroom. After college, she worked eight years as the lead graphic designer for The Instrumentalist Magazine Company. When her family moved to Maryland for her husband’s career, she took up running and later discovered photography as a new creative outlet. She is recognized for producing original studio photo creations and capturing compelling portraits, often blending surrealism with conceptual experimentation.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My love of photography took off In the 1980’s, I was studying graphic design and studio photography was my favorite class. We developed film in a dark room and did work creating commercial type photos. During those days, one of my strong my Inspirations was Andy Warhol especially his creative ability to make art out of simple things. Later in my life I joined a camera club and my love of photography has grown stronger. I enjoy the clubs photo activities and competitions. Working with other photographers really sharpens your eye.”
What inspires you?
“I’m inspired too create photographs that make you feel something and maybe tell you a story. My inspiration comes from many places family and friends, new camera or studio equipment, a song on the radio and special memories of people I love all inspire me to create. I am a member of great camera clubs. All the fantastic photographers there challenge and inspire me. I get inspired almost everywhere I go. My brain is always creating. I’m a visual artist that loves to create unique original out of this world studio photographic art. Recently I’m experimenting with photography lens, filters and camera movement. I also follow amazing photographers online and on podcast’s that inspire me to try different photographic techniques.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I am drawn to surrealism in my photography because it transcends reality. My emphasis is on concept, experimentation, ignoring norms and exploring boundaries. I also love photos with a little shock value.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work has been described to me as conceptional, emotionally resonant and technically refined photographic studio art pieces. It is hard for me to describe my studio work. When I look at my photo I see the hours it took me to transform my idea into photographic art. I also remember the shoots and reshoots, relive the evolution of the image and recount the number of times I thought I was done.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder and Andy Warhol.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is always different. Sometimes, it starts with a visit to an antique store. Something will grab my eye. I once bought an old doll. It needed to look more used so I rubbed some dirt on the doll’s face and clothes and broke her head a little. A couple of days later I found the right background and added some smoke to set a scary mood.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists are photographic story tellers. They preserve memories of time.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My exhibitions include Mid‑Atlantic Photo Visions in 2024 where I received a People’s Choice Award; the PSA Photographic Society of America in 2024 where I received a Silver Medal as well as the Mid‑Atlantic Photo Visions where I was awarded Best in Studio Photography and Time Never Stands Still was awarded Best in Studio in 2025.”
Instagram: @c.gillerman.photography
