Sherrill Kahn is the author of several books, including the best-selling Creative Embellishments. She recently gave us a terrific interview.
Creative Embellishments is your third book, and it’s been a best seller since its release. What gave you the idea to begin writing books?
I had always wanted to write a book. When I taught high school, I created many different projects for my students. I taught pen and ink, pencil drawing, watercolor, and colored pencil. We drew still lifes, hands, and leaves in creative ways. I thought I would write a book on drawing and shading, but ended up writing my first book about craft and painting techniques.
You were a high school art teacher for 30 years. How has your teaching career enhanced your ability to write and design?
Having to make lesson plans forced me to design the lessons and then write them in a coherent form for my students. And I had to be constantly creative to keep my students encouraged and coming back to take more classes.
What led you to become an artist?
I have always drawn. In childhood I often drew horses, and my parents encouraged me. Then I took art in high school and majored in art in college. It was a natural choice to become an artist.
What has been the most surprising thing about your career as an artist?
The most surprising thing is that after teaching, an entirely new career started. I formed a rubber-stamp company with my husband, Joel, almost 13 years ago. That stamp company has influenced my painting style and opened up many worlds for me. Also, I have five fabric lines with Robert Kaufmann Fabrics. The fabric designs have been developed using my artwork and some of my rubber-stamp images.
Creative Embellishments shows readers how to create art without expensive supplies. Where do you get your creative ideas?
Creative ideas come naturally to me. I’m always pushing the envelope and trying new things. New art supplies excite me, and I also love looking at work from other artists. I’m particularly interested in all the new mixed-media work.
What is your favorite part of the creative process?
This is hard to answer because the whole creative process is important to me. I like to be in the middle of a project, but I also love to see the finished project.
If we were to walk into your studio, what would we see?
If you walked into my studio, you would see a lot of artwork. I have my own art everywhere as well as artwork from my friends. I have many of the pieces from my five books displayed around the studio. I also have a large Janome 6600 sewing machine, a computer and two printers, lots of books, paints, brushes, and art supplies everywhere. My mother was a doll collector, so I have her dolls displayed as well.
Now that you’ve retired from teaching, where has your interest in art led you?
My art has led me to teach in England, Germany, and Canada, as well as in the United States. I also continue to write books and magazine articles.
What can students expect from your workshops?
I try to make my classes creative and full of new and fun ideas. I do emphasize “playing” in the classes and hope that the students will constantly ask “what if” when they’re creating.
How can our website audience get in touch with you to schedule a workshop?
I can be reached by telephone at: (818) 788-6730 or by email at: impressme@earthlink.net
In all your travels, which trip has been your favorite?
My favorite was a trip to Paris with my husband to celebrate my 65th birthday. We rented an apartment from an Internet site and stayed for 18 days. Each day was a total adventure. We walked all over Paris and found wonderful restaurants, exciting museums, and interesting people.
It sounds like you love to explore. What would you say explorers and artists have in common?
They’re both curious and want to experience new things!
What’s next—are you working on any new designs or book ideas now?
I’m in the editing process for a new book from Martingale that will focus on art techniques and design and composition tips. It will be released in 2010.
