About Sherry
Born in Queens, NY and raised in the picturesque Hudson Valley, my path has been marked by a series of transformative moments and deliberate choices that have shaped me as an artist and a scholar. At Boston College, I crafted an independent major in BioArt that showcased an early inclination towards STEAM, before STEAM was a thing. This interdisciplinary exploration, blending the realms of art and science in innovative ways was a bold move at that time and laid the foundation for my future endeavors and set the tone for my career which has been about pushing boundaries both creatively and intellectually.
Following a brief foray into medical research, I followed my dreams to the streets of Manhattan and immersed myself into the vibrant East Village scene for a decade. I absorbed New York City’s energy and creative spirit and it nurtured my artistic vision and honed my craft. I literally took advantage of every facet and every moment I had there. After my time at NYU doing my MFA, I moved on to work and teach at the School of Visual Arts and began my doctoral study at Teachers College Columbia University where I deepened my understanding of integrating studio art practice with technology and cybernetics.
As an artist, my preferred mediums of drawing and painting serve as the primary vehicles for my artistic expression. The intimate space of my sketchbook acts as a sanctuary for ideation, reflection, and experimentation, where traditional techniques intertwine with cutting-edge technologies to give rise to hybrid forms of artistic creation.
My research interests, spanning topics such as arts technology integration, hybrid studio practices, mindfulness, and empathy, underscore a commitment to exploring the evolving landscape of contemporary art and its societal implications. Through my exhibitions and publications, I have actively engaged with these themes, offering insights and contributions to the ongoing dialogue with the art community.
Noteworthy exhibitions at venues such as the Silvermine, BAU, and Arbor Galleries, and Kinosaito Art Center have been recent exhibition sites of late. Recent publications in journals and books, attest to the depth and breadth of the work.
In summary, I have an unwavering commitment and passion for artistic practice and art education and the work is at a cross-section of tradition and innovation that speaks to the transformative power of art informing and shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves.
Artist Statement
Sherry Mayo (1971-present) is an artist whose work transcends the boundaries of the concrete, inviting viewers into a realm where meaning and spirituality intertwine. Her semi-abstract paintings serve as portals to a magical world where observation of the natural realm blends seamlessly with imagined transcendental experiences, leading to a heightened state of consciousness. Mayo's creative process is a continuous journey, a form of meditation without a defined endpoint. It begins with a collection of words and thoughts that evolve into concise phrases, sparking the inspiration for her paintings. From initial sketches to the application of paint, Mayo's artistic process is a fluid exploration that bridges the gap between reality and memory.
Her oil paintings are a testament to her mastery of layering. Some areas are thickly textured, while others remain delicately thin, creating a dynamic sense of space within each piece. Central to her works is spatial manipulation, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world where they feel enveloped and surrounded. Variety and movement are crucial elements in Mayo's compositions, as her brush dances across the canvas, weaving together shimmering patches of light and intricate details that captivate the eye.
Beyond the tactile qualities of her paint handling, Mayo infuses her works with a rich symbology of her creation, characterized by an offbeat palette and recurring motifs such as birds that gain significance through repetition. Grounded in extensive research, her art delves into landscape themes, exploring the dynamic interplay between the sky, cosmos, and earth. By capturing fleeting moments in time, Mayo's paintings serve as snapshots of a constantly evolving world where the land is in perpetual transformation.
While each of Mayo's works invites contemplation and dialogue, she purposefully refrains from providing definitive explanations, allowing viewers to engage with her art on a personal level and interpret its meanings through their own lens. With a forward-looking perspective, Mayo paints with a vision for the future, creating a body of work that transcends temporal boundaries and continues to inspire and provoke thought.