Life & Work with Sheryl Zacharia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheryl Zacharia.

Hi Sheryl, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I discovered clay when I was about 35 years old, so I did not have a formal education in ceramics. I was briefly a painting major in college but dropped out to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter in NYC. When I did not achieve my goal of getting a record deal, I decided to return to visual arts.

At the suggestion of a dear friend, I took a pottery class which is what led me to this very unexpected career. I took classes at various adult ceramic schools and eventually started selling my work as well as teaching. Over the years, I participated in many National Exhibitions and eventually started to gain representation in Galleries across the country.

My work has been included in various publications and I am in 3 museum collections as well as many private collections. I have also won awards and am proud to have gained some recognition in my field. Most importantly I love what I do and strive to keep growing and learning. Ceramics is a challenging art form and I never tire of figuring out new ways of doing things. I continue to find inspiration all around me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve had many struggles along the way. Starting later in life and not having a concentrated university experience puts you at a disadvantage. I always had to work to support myself with other jobs to pay the bills and support my art making. It was also difficult to make art connections and living in NYC, studio space is limited and expensive. I think it’s a difficult career path no matter your circumstances.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m primarily a ceramic sculptor. I started out making functional pieces but my work has evolved and always had a sculptural lean. I do like to think of myself as simply an artist as I also paint and have been a songwriter/musician. I think I’m known for making abstract modern pieces, also influenced by primitive influences. My work is hand-built so it is generally not symmetrical, but I strive for balance in both form and surface design. I think my work is as painterly as it is sculptural and that is what it is known for.

Many things set me apart from others such as my background and the style of my work but I think that is true of so many. We are all individuals and creating from the heart sets us all apart. I think what I am most proud of is that my work continually evolves. It grows and changes as I become more skilled, mature, and exposed to things.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have been fortunate to have some wonderful teachers, mentors, and Gallerists who have encouraged me and guided me along the way. I have also had wonderful friends and family who have always believed in me which is very important. You must, first of all, believe in yourself and have a lot of drive, but the support of others is very uplifting.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sherylzacharia.com
• Instagram: @szclay
• Facebook: @Sheryl Zacharia
• Youtube: @Sheryl Zacharia