All to often, those of us who collect beautiful things for our own pleasure tend to ignore the talented people who brought them to us. One such person was Cheri Blum. A talented artist whose star rose quickly in the sometimes whimsical world of art and design. Unfortunately she passed away unexpectedly in November 2003 at the age of 34. I have borrowed this tribute from an ebay review by Carol Slinker of Carols Tag Shop. I could never have said it as well and I thank her for publishing it.
"Cheri's artwork, published by Wild Apple Graphics since 1996 and licensed by Wild Apple Licensing since 1999, has been highly successful in both open edition prints and licensed products from more than 40 companies.
Perhaps Cheri's art has become so popular because of its natural elegance and its peacefulness. Calm, serene lines, simple shapes and freshly created patinas characterize her style. In Cheri's words, “My art has a classical direction, but always with a contemporary spontaneity and simplicity.”
Blum's art reflects the character of the antiques she loved. She perfected a method of painting on cracked linen that conjured up images of Italian villas, or the pattern in an heirloom quilt. Cheri Blum said, "My goal is to take the fine art aspect of the Old Masters and combine it with a worn handcrafted look that suits today’s styles. I love to find unusual painting surfaces and create something from nothing."
Cheri Blum strove to create art that paid homage to the beauty of time passing by. To create the effects of time and weather, Blum even went so far as to put a completed painting in the washing machine.Cheri Blum said about her art: "My artistic style is characterized by its calm, serene lines, simple shapes and freshly created patinas which are combined to create a peaceful balance. Edited of unnecessary detail, there is a depth and lushness to the finished surface which is generated from its rich layering. Descriptive elements are simultaneously present and invisible, resulting in a feeling which is both fresh and weathered."
Cheri Blum's untimely death at age 34 has left her fans saddened. Cheri Blum died in her home by the Sassafrass River in Maryland. The art world is less for her loss."
Carol Slinker
My own knowledge of Cheri's work is limited to the half dozen or so dinnerware patterns that she designed for 222 Fifth (A dinnerware line of PTS America).
I am fortunate to have a few of these in my store.
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