Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherrelle Lewis.
Sherrelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started painting professionally six years ago. I prefer acrylic paint because of how smoothly it can be blended and how saturated and solid the colors can be represented. If you can get a new medium in my hands, then I will try to create something with it. My artistic goal is sometimes for social commentary or humor, but it’s always intriguing. My previous role at The Boys & Girls Club working with students on various artistic projects and mediums has allowed me to hone my creativity, presentation, and motivational skills, and I am committed to fostering creative expression and engagement in students now in my own art studio. In addition, my inherent passion for youth empowerment – including my personal experience as an at-risk youth– helps me to encourage and inspire.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been smooth? Not at all! One of the hardest struggles for me was trying to juggle working a non-profit, a second job, being a full-time student and artist on the side. My social life had become merely a concept, a lovely idea and my college course load became an abyss. I remember getting off work, having to head straight to an art show all while doing a paper by voice text alone. My advice for other women is to never give up. You had a purpose before you had a problem and that purpose doesn’t go away.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My work explores the relationship between urban femininity and strength. With influences as diverse as Basquiat, Frida Kahlo, Jean – Pierre Cassigneul and Georgia O’Keeffe, my art uses variations of the woman’s figure combined with social commentary. I create unique canvas paintings. I also accept commission orders as well as teach art classes. If you want to explore painting class with various art techniques, I am your girl. My classes include color mixing, composition, brushwork, texture, subject matter, and an amazing playlist. My treat everyone like family motto sets me apart from others. You might come to me for a beautiful piece of art and leave with a new cousin.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
We live in a time when women can network in the comfort of our own homes. Women are claiming opportunities that our ancestors have made rightfully our own. We aren’t just sitting at home waiting for our husbands to bring home the bacon. We are making the bacon, cooking the bacon, and selling its likeliness on the web to create revenue while we sleep. Women are taking a more aggressive approach to the opportunities we are now positioned for.
Contact Info:
- Website: Rawlewis.com
- Phone: 5012471424
- Email: LEWISSLRCH@YAHOO.COM
- Instagram: lleewwiiss
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