

Cheryl Harrison
Hometown: Port Douglas
Based in: Queensland
Hometown: Port Douglas
Based in: Queensland
Cheryl has been a practising professional artist since the 1990s; she has amassed a long list of collectors around the world along with solo exhibitions from galleries on the Strand in London, Cambridge and in Cornwall at Truro, St.Ives and Penzance. In the south of the UK is where she lived and immersed herself for five years amongst some of the last of the great post modern British artists such as Sandra Blow, Terry Frost and Barry Cooke.
Since returning to Australia, Cheryl has completed her Masters in Visual Arts at the Queensland College of Arts at the Griffith University Campus in Brisbane and has gone on to solo exhibits in public and private galleries in Brisbane, Cairns and Port Douglas.
Cheryl has developed a deep understanding of mediums and process. She paints from a place of freedom; inspired by nature, music, popular culture and life’s everyday events and in her words… "I call these my lifescapes.”
Cheryl puts every ounce of her twenty five years of professionalism into each original painting. Her pieces are unique, high quality and absolutely collectable.
Painting has been my best friend and at times my biggest frustration. During my studies in the 90's I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Unable to physically paint, painting in my imagination kept me sane. Now, I embrace my physical challenges and approach my artwork as a collaboration between the person that shows up each day and my response to the intuitive direction throughout my process.
What inspires you?
Great art, passion and energy drives my best work when it runs faster than my thoughts. Inspiration comes from an emotional response to nature. I love the power and scale of the ocean and vast landscapes and the edginess I feel each day living in the tropics.
Describe your creative process.
I love working on a large scale. I approach each canvas as a collaboration. I bring movement to the surface via spontaneous large gestural mark making then slowly navigate the work resolving it's challenges of palette and negative space etc until the work signals that is all and I stop.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Enticing, Energised, Considered,
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Barbara Hepworth, Eva Hesse, Frida Kalho, Turner, Rothko, Cy Twombly, Monet
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
Believe in myself and quality paint.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
If you are arguing with a fool, there are two fools arguing!
Where do you go for inspiration?
Great art, passion and energy drives my best work when it runs faster than my thoughts. Inspiration comes from an emotional response to nature. I love the power and scale of the ocean and vast landscapes and the edginess I feel each day living in the tropics.
1 Article
Most Famous Abstract Artworks In The Last 100 Years
September 27, 2024
Education
MA - Visual Arts / The Queensland College of Art / Griffith University, Brisbane,
Australia, 2009
BA / Visual Arts - University of Ballarat, Victoria
Australia, 1999
Awards
Bluethumb Top Ten Artist
2024
Bluethumb - Top Ten Artist
2023
Art Lovers Australia Art Prize - Finalist
2022
Bluethumb - Top Ten Artist
2022
Exhibitions
40 X 40 Exhibition, Bluethumb Gallery, Melbourne
Australia, 2024
Finalists - Bluethumb Art Prize, Bluethumb Gallery, Melbourne,
Australia, 2023
Statement Makers, Bluethumb Gallery, Melbourne,
Australia, 2023
Breathe
Australia, 2016
Loitering With Intent, Project Gallery, Brisbane,
Australia, 2009
Affordable Art Fair - Battersea, London,
United Kingdom, 2005
Affordable Art Fair - Battersea, London,
United Kingdom, 2002
Press
Grand Designs Magazine Australia
2022
Artists In Britain Since 1945, David Beckman New Ed.
2006