Interview
Sheryl Ann Noday
Sheryl Ann Noday is an artist born in Southern California, USA. She obtained her first degree in fine art, with a focus in photography, from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. She went on to become LA's first female assistant, soon to open the doors of her photography studio on Hollywood & Vine. Her photography has been published worldwide with recognition in Brazil, Germany, England, Paris.
Sheryl holds 7 Key Art Awards, and her paintings have been featured on book covers and magazines throughout the US and abroad. She has appeared on several guest radio shows illuminating visionary art.
Sheryl embraced a life-long dream to study painting at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Historic Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Art. She has participated in over 60 juried group exhibitions globally. Sheryl's art has been juried by James Rondeau, Curator of Contemporary Art at the Art Institute of Chicago, and is a three time award recipient.
She is the founder of “Art The Silent Healer”, creating visionary paintings, and Soul & Spirit Portraits - personal drawings for clients where each artwork is a portal, an invitation into one’s own Soul. She has produced, directed and channeled the first channeling film on crystal skulls, where the skulls speak for themselves "The Voices of Crystal Skull Consciousness", a short film.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I have always been inspired by visuals. As a young girl, I was given pictures to view while I spent time with my Grandma. I can still remember being shown small pictures of paintings from the Renaissance time period. Even back then, when I was not even 5 years old, I was moved to feel a variety of emotions as I viewed art. I can still remember those days and the feelings of peace that came with it. I would say my journey began then, but it wasn't until my early adolescence that I began working with tools.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I love themes about healing, spirit and metaphysics. Recently, I have started making social and political statements in my paintings. Yes, I aim to point my brush in the direction of storytelling in which the viewer can experience a message, if they choose. It's there for the taking. I like my paintings to allow the viewer to get involved, not telling the complete story, but hoping the viewer can create their own story or perhaps, most of all, a conversation can begin that will bring new thoughts to the surface.”
“Quite a few things actually inspire me. I love the movement within a piece, how color and light work together. I love art that tells a story. Whether the story is simple or complicated, it matters not. I love to dream, to be carried away and then to return; perhaps a bit different from the experience.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work quite simply: I am a healer that paints. It's the story within that guides. It’s the ‘muse’, so to speak. I am highly motivated to share with people that although we live in times that are a bit dramatic, there is more than meets the eye. Landscapes of imaginary worlds, places that offer moments of rest or peace creating a platform of wonder. I have come to understand that I paint whatever I am passionate about in the moment. Therefore, my studio is a work in progress itself. I always aim for the soul, the spirit of my subjects.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am influenced by Odd Nerdrum every day. He is, in my opinion, the world's greatest storyteller in paint. I also love that he paints directly from his imagination. He paints communities, a village of people and their lives long gone. He has the courage to follow his inner landscape. This inspires me. I also love that his palette is quite simple, and yet he is able to create the most amazing colors. His work carries emotion, depth, and imagination. I am always inspired by this master.”
What is your creative process like?
“Well, sometimes it’s quite simple and other times quite complex. Sometimes I like to draw my ideas. Other times I just go for it on the canvas, starting with large brush strokes. I always have an idea in mind. I secure it in my mind's eye and work from there. It’s a risky way to work because I am guided by a glimpse, a feeling, and mostly my imagination. I also look at source materials which stimulate me more. My ideas are always executed better in my mind’s eye, and so I am rarely satisfied with the end results. But I have learned to lighten up a bit, to continue growing and know that art truly does heal.
Oh, and I always say a prayer, a little connecting with myself and others, giving myself permission to let go, and have a great time. Always.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“We have a huge role, a responsibility, if you will. And yes, I do see that growing. I remember the day a stranger in a nearby apartment building asked me, ‘What do you do?’ I said, ‘I am an artist, a painter.’ He then said, ‘Thank you for making the world more beautiful!’ So, that is it. All us artists make the world more beautiful, and I could not be more happy to join others in this purpose. We do have a role to bring about more beauty and more love, and to share that with everyone that stands before our work.
I do see that evolving. How can it not? We are in that time now when humanity is craving for something more. We hear it in music that moves us to dance, or paintings that move us to feel, think or imagine, and all the other arts that serve to stimulate. I do believe the arts serve a huge purpose in elevating humanity. And what better time than now when so much is falling down upon us? The arts are here to lift us.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have participated in over 60 group and 2-person shows over the years. I am still holding the torch high for my own solo show!”
Website: www.sherylnoday.com
Instagram: @sheryl_art_the_silent_healer, @channelhealersheryl
