Interviews

Interview by: Roxy B. Montoya

os Angeles artist Sherm is ultra classy, down-to-earth, and talented on multiple levels. When not painting, she’s either dabbling in tattoo work (oh, and when you meet her, check out her kickass tribute to her favorite Sanrio characters--- that is, if she lets you) incorporating her work on a digital platform, or continuously doodling out amazing detailed illustrations.

When it comes to interviews, she's no rookie. Sherm has been featured in publications such as Graffiti Women: Street Art from Five Continents, and recently in an issue of Garage Magazine in an article titled “Chicks Rule.” We were very excited to have the opportunity to chat with Sherm for a bit while we dug a little deeper into her (mysterious) personality, and found out what makes her tick.

- Finish the sentence. Today I woke up and:
Had to unlock the door for my husband who locked himself out. Then I went back to sleep.

- Where do you feel your art is going?
I honestly don't know. I personally would like to paint or draw more dark, symbolic, esoteric or maybe even surreal images, but at the same time paint subject matter that will sell or people can relate to if I am to exhibit them. I am divided on the subject.

- Three people who’ve influenced you as an artist and the person you are today, and why?
This is a tough question because influence changes over time. I'm going to mention the people who were larger than life in my eyes when I began my "journey" into art (ha):

1. Salvador Dali. In high school I borrowed from his style and concept of surrealism. When I was given assignments I drew and painted a lot of clocks but also tried to incorporate still life images that were at my parents' apartment. I drew myself a lot and I was also trying to understand the meaning of my dreams, hence the reason why I was drawn to Dali's work.

2. Mear One. During my teens I started getting down with graffiti. His art opened my eyes to the world of graffiti beyond tagging. Also his work had social commentary attached with raw, urban, explosive energy that gave me my own ideas of what the world was really like; to despise the goverment and anyone who tries to oppress poor, colored, disadvantaged people.

3. Frida Kahlo. Again during my teens, I felt connected to her work. I was going through some changes and experiencing love and hate for the first time, which is how she felt about Diego Rivera. Her work was so personal and organic, she expressed so much pain and emotion through her work. I also borrowed a lot of elements from her. Looking back, all three of these artists made a huge impact on me as someone who was just starting out as an artist; they helped me to "look" beyond what is in front of you and to look for meanings in painted subject matter. It also helped me to understand people on a deeper level and the layers we all have.

- Do you have a favorite book?
No but I read the Bible a lot when I was growing up. My mom had different bible versions, I especially liked the ones with illustrations in them.

- It’s Friday night, what are you up to?
I'm probably at home watching a movie on Netflix with my husband. I'm a homebody hermit.

- Describe your work in three words:
dark, bold, organic

- Other than art (because some of us have other hobbies) what are you into at the moment?
The computer is taking over my life. If I'm not working on art, then I'm probably on the computer keeping my design skills current or playing with my virtual pets. Or I force myself to take a break and go to the gym.

- Because I’m nosy, what’s your most annoying habit?
I tend to be forgetful or I don't listen; you might tell me something and I'll probably forget or wasn't even listening that you told me so you'll end up repeating yourself.

- Being an artist is a tough job. How do you keep motivated?
Read or look at books for inspiration, watch documentaries on other artists, draw, go to art shows, enjoy life as much as possible.

- You’re on death row, and it’s time to order up your last meal. What are you having?
A medium-well done steak with gorgonzola mac n' cheese from Mastro's; it's a really good steakhouse in Los Angeles.

- If you could, would you turn back time?
Another tough question. 10% yes, just to spend some more time with my mom. But overall, no. Being young and dumb is awkward, I like myself right now.

- The most bizarre thing someone has said about your work:
Nothing yet. Although people are always wondering about my gender.

- What piece of advice would you give to any up and coming artists?
Follow your heart but don't be a follower. Also, find something else that sparks your interest because art won't pay all the bills.

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