We have a couple of big announcements to make all in one "wowzer" of a post!  We recently held an "International Talent Search" in our Relics & Artifacts® Tribe on Facebook, where the winner would have their winning entry featured alongside the rest of the RELICS & ARTIFACTS® team in a print advertisement campaign that will be published in Stampington & Company's Where Women Create magazine.  Our Tribe rose to the challenge and with each submission, they made our decision exponentially more difficult to narrow down.

After a very agonizing decision making process, we finally have our winner of the "International Talent Search".  Please give a HUGE congratulations to Sherry Matthews and her "S.O.A.R." banner.

S.O.A.R., Society of Artifacts & Relics, represents the creative ethos and vision of RELICS & ARTIFACTS® not only as a creative brand, but as a community too.  Every day, every challenge, our Tribe rises to the occasion and SOARs to the stars on wings of creative innovation and imagination.  

The brilliance of this piece and the entire body of Sherry's work always shows a mastery of forward thinking, creativity, and ingenuity of design, we had to invite her to join the RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador team.  Needless to say, we were ecstatic when she accepted!  So without further ado, allow us to introduce RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador, Sherry Matthews!

We sat down with Sherry and asked her a few questions to get to know her a bit.

What fills your time when you are not creating?

My time away from art is typically divided between my charity work with a women's domestic abuse foundation, my role as President of our local PFLAG and Toys for Tots.  Of course, there's nothing like relaxing with my family and friends!  I love to be creative in the kitchen and cooking is never a chore, however, washing the dishes? That's another story! 

What are your favorite materials to use when you create?

Nothing is off limits! I am in love with ALL the of RELICS & ARTIFACTS® blanks.  I am always on the hunt for found objects to upcycle into my work.  Another would be clay. That's definitely high on my materials list.  A regular go-to for me is paint. Paint can transform anything!

Where do you find inspiration for your art and how do you stay inspired?

Inspiration is literally EVERYWHERE!  From a rusty find in a parking lot to a package in the grocery store,  in music, in nature , and especially in the middle of the night, I am constantly inspired.  I find it helpful to keep a notebook handy for a few words or a quick sketch of ideas.  The more I create, the more the creativity flows so I highly suggest to anyone interested in art and creativity to keep at it!  Art is a verb- so actively ART!

What is your signature style?

I'm not sure if I have a signature style but I do have influences that I feel resonate in my work.  I draw inspiration from a touch of vintage, a splash of tongue-in-cheek humor,  and a love of global cultures such as Mexico, India, Italy, and Asia. Throw in a little bohemian eclecticism into the mix and there you have it!  I have always felt that foregoing a label leaves me free to explore all art forms and learn new techniques without feeling boxed in.

What is something your friends probably don’t know about you?

You know how people love to show the glitter and glue on their hands after a project or their paint splattered clothing?  Well, I always create BAREFOOT!   You can imagine the messes my toes have been in!

Who do you feel you could spend hours in a chat over a cup of tea or coffee, living or deceased?

There are two artists, Frida Kahlo and Jean Michel Basquiat. I would love for them to know the influence their works have had on me and the impact they left on the world.

Welcome to the team, Sherry, and a huge congratulations on your S.O.A.R banner being selected as the "International Talent Search" winner.  And a big thank you to each and every member of our RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Tribe.  Without you, your creativity, your heart, and your support, we wouldn't be able to SOAR!