Inspiration in Wagging Tails: Art by Sher Schier

By Josh Hagy

"For most people, the holiday season means a hectic time of year filled with shopping and decorations. For Sher Schier, it’s a chance to stretch her artistic muscles and perhaps share the lesson imparted to her by her longtime Lab companion, Jed. “He taught me much about love,” explains Sher. “As an artist, it is the focus of my work.” Sher is currently developing a new company called www.sherschier.com, an online shop that focuses on positive visual images that uplift and inspire. Sher has had a great deal of experience in the arts, and despite her many travels, has found inspiration in the simplest of places.

"Sher holds a degree in Fine Art from the School of Art Institute in Chicago as well as degrees in Visual Communication and Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Her studies even took her to the Tate in London, England, but inspiration was waiting for her at home.

"Jed, a loveable Lab who was Sher’s companion for thirteen and a half years, quickly became invaluable to her work. “I raised him to be an independent thinker, with respect for his being and intelligence.” she said. As it turns out, Jed’s independent thinking taught Sher as much about life and love as she taught him.

"Sadly, Jed passed away in November of 2006. Still, Sher has been left behind with over a decade of memories that both cherish and inspire. “He was incredibly social and living on a lake, he loved to go boating. I shared raising him with my friend Mark and was never surprised when someone didn't know me, but knew Jed. People would say, ‘There's Jed!’”Jed adopted the neighbors as much as they adopted him, much to Sher’s surprise.

"Unbeknownst to Sher, Jed would often sneak next door to have breakfast with the neighbors. “For years he went to my neighbor's, Dan and Judy's, house every morning and he would ‘knock’ on their door. They’d let him in and he would hop into bed with them and stay for breakfast!” For a long time, Sher thought these morning jaunts took Jed to the woods to explore, but Jed was happily making friends with the neighbors. It was Jed’s inherent friendliness that helped to teach Sher about unconditional love.

"It is often said that our pets can teach us more than we can teach them and the lesson that Jed imparted to Sher was an important one. He taught me unconditional love and how to love life,” Sher explains. “I believe The Lab Philosophy is ‘Love Life. Love Everyone and Wag your tail a lot.’ ” It is a simple, but profound, motto that has had a definite impact on Sher’s art.

"Sher is drawn to the simple aspects of art that often seem to have a great impact on the viewer. “I am drawn to the minimal, the pure, the sublime,” she writes in her Artist’s Statement. “My work is inspired by an instilled reverence for all living things, by the open mind and spirit of children and by the heart of my tail wagging yellow Lab.” The happiness of a Lab has become the centerpiece for one of her more popular works.

"Memories of Jed continue to provide a positive basis for Sher’s work, as does her relationship with two new chocolate Labs, Bear and Daktari, who belong to her neighbor, Mike. “Mike is wonderful with his Labs and their personalities reflect the love, compassion and respect that he gives them,” said Sher. “Daktari and Bear are the subjects of a new group of prints that celebrate the Lab wisdom of life,” explains Sher. One series is called “Dog Wisdom” another being developed for children is called ‘Happy Dog’.

"Bear is five years old and Sher calls him the “epitome of relaxation.” “I think that Bear could give lessons on relaxation!” she said. “He is incredibly handsome and powerful looking …but all love and gentleness.” Daktari, on the other hand, is a three month old bundle of energy. “He is very athletic and adventurous and loves to wrestle with his big brother.” Daktari will be featured on a holiday card next year for The Museum Shop of The Art Institute.

"With other Lab projects in the works, the loveable breed will continue to be the centerpiece of her efforts for a long time to come. “My Lab friends bring me great joy in life. Great, great joy,” she added. It’s a joy that is certainly apparent in her creations.

"To enjoy more of Sher’s beautiful, simple, and elegant artwork, be sure to visit http://sherschier.com.

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