Sherri Kelcourse

Livermore,California

Artist's Statement

From the time I was young have been around people who work with their hands. My paternal grandfather was a carpenter who put his expertise into finish work. My father, a die maker, was also fond of carpentry. My maternal grandfather was a tap dancer, choreographer and comedic performer. I was surrounded by musicians. I am sure that their collective creativity influenced the work I would later begin.

When not painting on location, I work out of a rented studio at the Bothwell Arts Center. The Bothwell has been dubbed an incubator for the arts. It is an affiliate of the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center. I enjoy painting while various forms of creativity are being expressed in other areas of the center. These can include rehearsals for theatre and opera productions, violin lessons and dance.

I am currently working on two separate series of paintings, the "Cal Vineyard/ Orchard Series" and "Lift". The first serves as a celebration of California's agricultural heritage. The second series, "Lift" represents a freedom flight; a breaking free of that which hinders and keeps us from being who God designed us to be.