Sherman Khan of Elmhurst on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Sherman Khan and have shared our conversation below.

Sherman, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
“Definitely — my wife and I are expecting our first baby, and that’s been such an exciting and proud moment for us. We’ve shared a lot of laughs just imagining what life will be like as new parents. It’s been a really joyful time.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sherman Khan, and I’m an abstract expressionist artist as well as a caregiver. My artistic practice explores emotion, energy, and the unspoken connections that shape human experience. Through color, movement, and texture, I aim to translate intangible feelings into visual form — creating work that invites both reflection and emotional resonance.

In addition to my creative work, I serve as a caregiver, a role that has profoundly influenced my perspective as an artist. It has deepened my understanding of empathy, resilience, and the quiet strength found in everyday life. That balance between creativity and compassion defines much of who I am and what I express through my art.

Currently, I’m developing a new body of work that examines the interplay between vulnerability and strength — a continuation of my exploration into the emotional landscapes that connect us all.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most defining moments for me has been my experience as a caregiver. Being present for someone in their most vulnerable moments changes how you see the world — it slows you down, deepens your sense of empathy, and makes you appreciate the quiet details that often go unnoticed.

That experience has profoundly shaped my art. It taught me that beauty isn’t always found in perfection — sometimes it lives in the imperfections, in the rawness of emotion, in the traces of struggle and resilience. My perspective as both a caregiver and an artist has become intertwined; one continually informs the other, guiding me to create work that reflects both the fragility and the strength of the human spirit.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to trust the process — both in art and in life. There’s beauty in uncertainty, even when it feels uncomfortable. Every experience, every challenge, and every mistake carries something valuable that shapes who you become.

I’d remind myself that growth doesn’t always look like progress in a straight line. Sometimes it’s quiet, sometimes it’s chaotic, but it’s always meaningful. And most importantly, I’d say: don’t lose your sense of wonder. Keep creating, keep feeling deeply, and know that your voice — your perspective — matters, even when it doesn’t yet feel heard.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies the art world tells itself is that success is defined by visibility — by exhibitions, sales, or social recognition. While those things have their place, they don’t necessarily reflect the depth or honesty of an artist’s work. True creativity can’t be measured by trends or algorithms; it comes from an authentic connection to emotion and experience.

Another misconception is that vulnerability is a weakness in art. I see it as the opposite — vulnerability is where truth lives. It’s what allows art to reach people on a human level. The more time I’ve spent creating and caregiving, the more I’ve realized that authenticity and empathy are far more powerful than perfection or prestige.

Art, at its best, isn’t about fitting into a system — it’s about expanding what that system can feel, say, and hold space for.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I lived with empathy, creativity, and purpose — that I cared deeply, both through my art and through my actions. I want to be remembered as someone who made people feel — who helped them see the world, and themselves, a little differently.

As a caregiver and an artist, my life has been centered on connection: the quiet, unseen moments of care, and the expressive, emotional language of color and form. If my work and my presence reminded others that there is beauty in vulnerability and strength in compassion, then I would consider that a meaningful legacy.

Ultimately, I hope the story people tell about me isn’t about success or recognition — but about humanity, about love, and about the courage to express it honestly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shermankhan.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shermankhan.art