Amanda speaks to Sherry Shine, a fiber artist, who specializes in hand-cut, stitched, fused, and hand-painted quilts. Sherry's use of vibrant color caught Amanda's eye immediately, which led to a powerful conversation about color, artistic process, social justice, and storytelling through art, and Sherry's amazing drive and passion.

Sherry talks about the deep love of art she developed as a small child, which she held onto throughout her first career as an HR representative. Eventually, she was so motivated to create, she spent 15 hours a day on the weekends learning her craft and developing her unique style. By the time she finished her first quilt, a friend at work was so taken with it, she told Sherry she wanted to buy it.

Sherry opens up about what inspires her and how she infuses meaning into her work. After the tragic murder of Trayvon Martin, Sherry created a piece called, "Will Justice Be Blind For Trayvon Martin?" which helped express some of the pain she experienced at the time. She also infuses history and meaning into other works, such as her series of quilts, "People in the Field" which depict symbols relating to the Underground Railroad.

Since leaving HR and working as an artist full-time, Sherry's work has gone on to be exhibited around the country in galleries, colleges, and museums including Bank Street College, (New York, NY), Michigan State University Museum, The Bedford Brooklyn Public Library (Brooklyn, NY), Manhattan Community College (New York, NY) and The National Constitutional Center (Philadelphia, PA). Sherry’s work is also in several private collections including a few senators.

Her creations can be purchased at the E&S Gallery in Louisville, KY.

Sherry’s art quilts have also appeared in a number of books including Journey of Hope: Quilts inspired by President Barack Obama. Her quilt of Rosa Parks and President Obama on a bus graces the cover!

She's even been invited to the Kentucky Derby a couple of times as a featured artist! She continues to pour herself and her passion into each piece she creates, and her story is an inspiration for anyone with a passion and a dream.

To purchase one of Sherry's art-quilts, visit the E&S Gallery website. You can follow her on Facebook at Sherry Shine - Fine Art and on Instagram at @Sherry_ShineFibertArt.

  Interested in connecting or finding out more about coaching or workshops? Let's work together and get you to the next level!

@AmandaGHennessey

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Your Guide to Public Speaking: Build Your Confidence: Find Your Voice, Inspire Your Audience (by your host, Amanda Hennessey)