Meet Sherah Kemp

We recently connected with Sherah Kemp and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sherah, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Talent, desire to paint, and building those skills all came early in life. I was a fairly proficient realist artist by the age of 17. However, finding my purpose was a longer path. I often struggled to know what I wanted to paint, and more importantly: why. I know now that the main reason I struggled with these two questions, was because I knew so little about who I was as a person.

I ended up having to take a break from my art for practical reasons, in my late twenties. Things like finances, and life changes were the reason for the break; but it ended up being a sculpting time for me as a person, and subsequently as an artist. I found my faith in Christ, challenged then proven stronger through life events. I met the love of my life, was married, settled into a new home, and was expecting our daughter when art began to call my name again.

Through that time I learned so much about my purpose as a person: which in turn gave me purpose as an artist. While I do paint in order to sell my art, and I consider this to be my profession, it is so much more than that. It is an expression of the deep thoughts and feelings I have about the world, and my faith; which mere words seem to be inadequate for. But a picture is, of course, worth a thousand.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My art is mainly focused on realist depictions of everyday scenes, and people around me. I live near Savannah, GA; which my art often depicts in cityscapes. Savannah is an endless source of inspiration. I am also deeply inspired by nature, and thankful to live in a more rural area outside the city, with endless trees, flowers, and sunsets to paint. One subject I also never tire of is portraiture. I am starting to get back into this more, and am always thankful when a portrait commission comes my way.

While my art is mostly realism by nature, the theme that runs throughout is praise to the God who created the beauty I see everywhere. There is often a hidden metaphor of truth within each painting of some everyday scene. I am most inspired by light, and the way it moves and plays against my subjects, to create a unique viewpoint, filled with nuances of meaning and energy. You will also see unique perspectives in my art, as I enjoy pushing vantage points or zooming in to details of common sites, making them seem uncommon.

This year I am hoping to continue to make my mark in the Savannah, GA area at local galleries, and markets alike, and potentially spreading out to other cities nearby. My next show will be at Cedar House Gallery for their 2025 Savannah Artist Showcase in Savannah, GA. My Etsy store is also starting to grow, and I am hoping to launch new prints and art printed products there in the coming months.
As for new work, I am planning some ocean paintings in the coming months, and may end up expanding it into a full series.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

My faith in Christ foremost, as it has built everything that my art hinges on.

Secondly, I would have to say, learning to “see”. Specifically learning to look at things as if it’s my first time seeing anything, and taking in all the qualities of shape, color, light, and perspective, all while seeing something deeper within it the subject. This has made a huge impact and is where I feel I am still growing the most, and I hope I never stop growing in.

Thirdly, would be endurance. Giving up would have been so easy, so many times. Rejections will come, usually more frequently than acceptance. There will be slow times where work isn’t moving, and people aren’t purchasing. Endurance in this field requires patience to lear. That is, to learn new skills, to learn deeper motivation and purpose, to learn which opportunities are dead ends, and which ones are truly open doors to where you intend to take your art.

As far as advice goes, I have found there are three things one needs to grow as an artist: patience, practice, and passion for the calling.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

Taught me to pray my way through road blocks. I have faced a lot of challenges along the way and this year is no different. Chronic health issues, raising a toddler at home while juggling time for work, and a sluggish economy making art sales slower than usual, to name a few. But I have always found that if I seek guidance from my Heavenly Father, He lights the way for me to proceed, and gives me strength to persevere.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Sherah Martin Kemp

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your