I remember taking art classes in high school, but I don’t remember why. I did a couple of hard-edge paintings on canvas, some monstrous thing out of foam, and one decent watercolor. I was mostly into snow skiing and guitar. In the long run, the guitar won, and I spent most of my twenties and thirties seeking rock stardom.
I come from a very musical family and music was our blessing and curse. The lifestyle was not exactly healthy and eventually I found darkness. I stayed there for quite a while, until I remembered that I used to like painting. I started again and felt better. I was able to find little pieces of joy and I needed that. My life got better, and I restarted college. A career in Social Work was the result. Life got busy and art was not a part of it.
As I got older, I realized that something was missing, and I needed to get back to that space that was mine alone. I decided to take classes in abstract painting. My first assignment was inspiring and made me think, “I painted that? How the heck did I do that?” The instructor said something that is now my mantra, “Let the painting speak to you.” I suppose this might not apply to all art, but it really has a place in abstract. That’s how I come up with what I create. It speaks to me, and I follow it. There is no greater honor for me as an artist than that my art may speak to you as well. I can only thank you. Welcome to the conversation.
Richard Irwin
Cherie Martin Irwin
I work full time as a fiber and mixed media folk artist while being a junior at UNM in Studio Art. I was a quilter for 30 years, but recently decided to explore techniques outside of making identical blocks repeatedly.
I am motivated by creating unique, one of a kind, handmade items that are useful, whimsical and frequently designed with a bit of irony. My favorite part of the design process is the selection of colors and prints and considering their impact in someone’s home.
An avid environmentalist, I prioritize being earth-conscious. Most of my work includes fabric scraps and fabric from the free table at guild meetings; repurposed notions, lace and embroidery from Noni Maria and Grandma Euphia; found objects; and tin containers I cut up. I use a lot of hearts because they are a universal symbol for positivity and connection and I hope what I do makes people smile.
My work can be found in the Fuller Lodge Art Center in Los Alamos and Roswell Museum giftshop in Roswell. In November, I will be at Recycle Santa Fe and Placitas Holiday Market (in the library), and from Thanksgiving to Christmas at Taos Folk.