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 create vibrant, mixed-media worlds where color and whimsy collide, driven by a deep admiration for the raw, uninhibited expression of folk art and untrained artists. My artistic practice, encompassing fiber, mosaic, and found objects, is a joyful exploration of repurposing and reinvention. As an environmentalist at heart, I am driven to transform discarded materials into whimsical works of art, breathing new life into what was once considered waste.
My pieces are infused with a sense of humor and an unwavering optimism, reflecting my own outlook on the world. Recurring motifs, such as hearts and mandalas, symbolize love, unity, and the cyclical nature of life. These elements, combined with a bold palette and tactile textures, create a visually engaging experience that invites viewers to rediscover beauty in the ordinary.
Inspired by the storytelling tradition of folk art, particularly the profound, yet primitive, statements found in the work of artists like Howard Finster, I strive to create narratives that resonate on a personal and emotional level. I am drawn to these artists’ ability to convey powerful messages from the heart, unburdened by technical constraints. My art is an invitation to embrace playfulness, celebrate resourcefulness, and find energy in the unexpected.
My work can be found in the 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.