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- Abstract Musings 2024 - Cheryl Petersen
Abstract Musings 2024 - Cheryl Petersen
Cheryl Petersen
Abstract Musings 2024
pastel and acrylic
94 X 94
$3,080
Cheryl studied graphic design at Monash University in 1998 as a mature age student. She majored in illustration, and after graduating, she worked as a freelance illustrator and a jewellery designer.
She illustrated stories in several magazines and books, including Willis and the Echo by Craig Wellington, published by Hyland House, Jack and the Giantkiller, and a selection of Hans Christian Andersen stories published by Pan McMillan. Her portfolio includes illustrations for children’s poetry books and book covers for Reed Books, as well as several magazines and brochures.
Cheryl has become well known for her painting style in a large range of vivid designs and rich colours, full of beauty and joy. Her early work with children’s stories is reflected in the often whimsical portrayal of subjects.
She says, ‘Mostly I paint to my moods, it is the foundation for my inspiration. My best works happen naturally, when I am totally absorbed in the moment. If I feel like painting the whole canvas black, I will, and then I just see what happens next … no planning, no contriving… just letting it flow. I try not to control my work too much; I prefer to keep the spontaneity flowing.’
‘I think it’s very important to be a good artist technically, but it is just as important to be able
Artist Statement
‘Somehow, in the dark, deep recesses of my brain, I’m feeling like doing these mysterious shapes which somehow remind me of shapes from ancient cultures and abstracting and unifying them to give them a more contemporary look. I don’t think about it while I’m doing it… I just let it flow from my subconscious.’
Reflection on Cheryl’s abstracts
Dr Christina Houen, Perfect Words Editing
The Act of Creation
Out of the formless void, colours and shapes emerge. Marks of tribal memories arise from the deep. As they shift and change, mysterious shapes of ancient cultures merge with the present, abstracting and unifying the nameless elements of creation as the canvas comes to life.