Member Biography

ARTIST STATEMENT

"In 1973, with a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, I joined the faculty at the School of Social Work, University of Washington. After 30 years in academia, I retired to focus more intensively on my artistic journey. This post mid-life exploration has become a major turning point for me and I have been encouraged by others’ responses to my work as well as the tremendous impact this journey is having on me personally.

My artistic journey is fueled by my desire to experiment with ways to explore and understand nature’s mysteries and wisdom (including my own). A penchant for haiku poetry and Japanese watercolor styles also influences my work. My process often begins with creating spontaneous, textured surfaces. Then I consider how to “make sense out of nonsense.” My creative process succeeds when I am able to integrate free experimentation and deep personal expression.

Much of my work focuses on place - - solitary, vast, misty, mysterious spaces that I would love to visit. For example, my portals explore the symbolism and meaning of spaces as entries and exits. Portals can represent dream-like sanctuaries, escape routes, or reflections of the places we already occupy.

Many of my paintings also incorporate explicit spherical shapes. I have been drawn to the moon and its subtle power and beauty since my burst into serious painting in 2000. The moon represents to me the hidden, mysterious pull of nature. In many cultures and belief systems, the moon or circle symbolizes the cyclical, generative nature of all things.

Finally, my avian-inspired paintings reflect my personal interest in flying as a symbol for freedom and emancipation. This interest connects me with others, throughout history, who have used bird imagery and metaphor in myths, parables, dream theories, and art."

JURIED EXHIBITIONS

• Seattle Co-Arts Annual Juried Exhibition (group show), Mercer Island
• North Seattle Community College Gallery (group show), Seattle

• Sanctuary Gallery at Univ. Unitarian Church (solo), Seattle, 2003-2004
• Orcas Center (solo), Orcas Island, 2003
• Phinney Center Gallery (group show), Seattle, 2002
  
  

• Marni Muir, Art Agent/Dealer, Edmonds, WA, www.marnimuir.com
• WPW Gallery, Columbia Center, Seattle, WA
• Festivities, Edmonds, WA , www.festivitiesfinegifts.com

• Women Painters of Washington, juried member
• Seattle Co-Arts, active (juried) member; Chair, Scholarship Committee, 2007-2009
• Skagit Artists Together
• Northwest Collage Society

PUBLICATIONS

• "Art Takes Flight," Pilchuck Audubon Profile, January, 2008.
• Visual Arts," Island View, January 2007
• "Heron's Birds...on View Through January," The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber, January 2007
• "Kindred features 'Circles of Light'," Edmonds Beacon, March 16, 2006

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see more of Cheryl's artwork at www.cherylrichey.com

"Red Mountain"
acrylic on paper - 21 x 18"

"Turbulence"
acrylic/collage on paper - 23 x 20"

"Flying Home"
acrylic/collage on paper - 13 x 13"

"Water Basin"
acrylic/charcoal on canvas - 20 x 21"

"Winged Portal"
acrylic/charcoal on canvas - 24 x 24"

"Caught Between"
acrylic/collage on paper - 30 x 23"

All Artwork Copyright
of the Artist.

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