From Inspiration to Exhibition: Siobhan and Sheri Lynn From Pottery Works Discuss Their Art and Creative Processes

Pottery Works is a studio and gallery space located in New Westminster BC where many talented painters and potters create beautiful, original works of art. Each artist motivates and inspires one another to reach their artistic aspirations. Not long ago, one of A.WARE’s Digital Editors, Arsene, had the opportunity to talk with two of Pottery Works’ amazing artists, Sheri Lynn and Siobhan. In this conversation, they discuss Sheri Lynn and Siobhan’s journey to becoming artists and how they found inspiration for their art pieces.

*The following interview has been edited for the purposes of clarity and concision.

Arsene: Hi! It’s so nice to meet you both. Thank you so much for taking your time to talk with me. Could you please start by introducing yourselves?

Sheri: I’m Sheri Lynn.

Siobhan: I’m Siobhan. 

Arsene: Great! I’ve seen a lot of both of your art on Pottery Works’ website! Did either of you have any specific moments that led you to want to make art?

Sheri: I did some art when I was in high school, but otherwise than that, just at the old studio, and then here, but other than that, not when I was little.

Siobhan: I was inspired by other people’s art.

Arsene: A lot of both of your pieces are so beautiful and unique. 

Sheri: Thank you!

Arsene: What influences the art you make? 

Siobhan: Cherry trees!

Sheri: The splashing I do on my pottery.

Arsene: That’s so cool! Your art is so special as well, and I was wondering if you could explain a bit of the process. What tools do you use and what are your processes?

Sheri: I use a toothbrush when I use my splashing technique. And Siobhan? 

Siobhan: I use a paintbrush.

Sheri: We both have different tools we use.

Arsene: Do you prefer pottery or traditional painting?

Siobhan: Pottery.

Sheri: Pottery… I would have to say both myself actually, a little bit of both.

Arsene: Did anything in your life change your artwork? 

Sheri: Do you mean like did it change anything about us?

Arsene: Yeah! Like was your art different before a change, or did it stay the same? Or was there no change?

Sheri: It has changed because of Covid. There were sculptures that were made from our faces, but I could not do it because it made me cough and I could not handle it. So instead, we had some shirts that we put on some of them and then they had to be dipped in slip casting, and then we put them on there. But otherwise, I couldn’t handle putting the stuff on my face.

Arsene: That’s really cool! How does your art impact your community?

Sheri: We had banners up for the photography. I had banners up by the city.

Arsene: I bet a lot of people saw it and really loved it.

Sheri: Oh, they did, but it’s not up anymore.

Arsene: And what is one message you would like to tell other artists?

Sheri: Just try it, and if you like it, you can keep on doing it if you want to.

Arsene: Great, thank you so much!

Sheri: You’re welcome!