Artist Interview – Mindy Cherri

23 Jan Artist Interview – Mindy Cherri

In our next artist interview I’m happy to introduce Mindy Cherri. Mindy is an alumni of The Office and since showing her she has become a really good friend. Her show at The Office also happens to be one of the best selling shows we did. I was also at her last show at J. Flynn where all her stuff sold out. Obviously her work creates a connection with the viewer. Here’s Mindy:

Tell us about your work.

My work comes from a trip to a Michael’s craft store. One Sunday I was out with my good friend Roxanne, she was purchasing yarn and I was tagging along. While she was making her purchase I saw these Martha Stewartesque plates hanging with ribbons and lacey details and my first thought was, what if those delicate plates spoke truths, not hung with homey sayings but the words of dysfunctional relationships…the true words of households..not words from those so called Leave it To Beaver homes. So I bought a few plates and began to work out my thoughts on relationships, 3 plates became 5, 5 plates became 9, 9 became a series and the series became a way to express bigger ideas about relationships and the words we don’t like to use to describe them…the truth truly hurts.

What Artists Have Influenced You and How?

China painters and ladies who make crafts for their homes have been a huge influence on me. Ladies who sew inspirational sayings such as Home Sweet Home to be hung over there hearth to inspire good clean living. Delft painters who create plate collections with adverbs and proverbs for the home. Delft blue painted china to be collected, cherished and passed on to family members. Priceless collectibles that everyone recognizes as a part of nostalgia but nobody wants in there home.

What motivates you to make work and stay motivated in the studio?

My students inspire me to make work. I teach high school art so everyday I am reminded how great it feels to create. Conversing with my students daily about the process of making art and teaching them that each piece is practice keeps me motivated continue with the process. Watching them as artists inspires me daily not to mention the daily flow of energy, it’s intoxicating.

Give us your thoughts about the benefits and challenges of being an artist in Orange County.

The benefit of being an artist in Orange County for me is the support I receive from my friends, family and students. It’s great to have that kind of support behind you. They are always willing to be part of whatever I have in front of me as an artist and they can’t wait to attend the opening. The challenge is the conservative nature of many Orange County buyers. It felt like a huge risk when I made my first plates displaying words like whore, prick, pussy, liar and swallow but they sold…they sold out before the the show even opened, those plus seven others with very similar words. I know most venues in Orange County are not ready for edginess…it doesn’t hang well above everyones sofa.

What shows/projects are up next for you?

I’m getting work together for another show at J. Flynn. We haven’t set a date yet. I’m hoping for early summer. It’s a solo show so I’m excited to show my stuff.