Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sheryl Benjy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sheryl, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The biggest risk I took in my art career was going to Rome, Italy for an exhibit of my art work. I was asked to exhibit my body of abstract pieces titled the “Universe Series” by an art curator in Italy by the name of Alfio Borghese. I had three small children at the time and I had no idea how I was going to pull it off but I told my husband we would regret it if we didn’t go. It ended up being one of the most beautiful and memorable trips of our lives. I exhibited four of my pieces and had the opportunity to meet other American artists that were also exhibiting in Rome.

Sheryl, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an artist, art educator and creative coach based out of Beverly Hills, CA. I always wanted to become an artist and art educator but didn’t always have the confidence to do so until certain people showed up in my life and I took life coaching seminars to find my true path.

My series “Body Art for the Soul” expresses my desire to help women see themselves differently. My work draws inspiration from cultures such as Native American and Eastern traditions. I bring ritual and the tradition of the healing practice of body art to the modern world. My art has a very whimsical quality to it with hidden messages about the universe, unconditional love, positive symbols and affirmations.

I believes we are all here to accomplish our soul’s destiny and that we must bring as much light into this world as possible with our gifts and talents. My abstract fluid pieces represent the flow of life and the universe. I also incorporates salt and sometimes sugar to give my art a more textured look. The salt and sugar also symbolize the yin and yang in life. The sweet, happy moments and the sad tearful moments.

I am most proud of a recent mural I created with a very talented and well known street artist Iskar. We created a mural on the American Vintage store on Melrose in honor of WOMEN LIFE FREEDOM. I am an Iranian American woman who immigrated to the United States during the 1979 revolution. So this movement is near and dear to my heart and it was an honor to collaborate with Iskar to make this moving mural that brings more awareness to what is going on in Iran.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I once went into an art gallery and went to show my work and they said it wasn’t the kind of work they were looking for. I had many moments like that. Or people who back out of buying a piece because it was too pricey. I have learned to have thick skin in this business and not allow my feelings to get hurt so easily. I have always been a very sensitive person and the experience of being an artist has only made me stronger throughout the years. I believe every “no” will eventually lead to a “yes”, it only takes persistence, patience and resilience. There have been times where I have asked myself “what are you doing?” but I have learned to put those voices aside and get right back up. So many give up before they make it to the top and there is so much room up there that I don’t want to be one of those people. Never giving up is the key.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I used to teach children and adult group art classes from my home. Then Covid happened and I had to shut my business down for awhile. In that time I realized that I wanted to focus more on my art career and painting. I also wanted to be a part of a bigger cause where my art would help heal women. I started to work with a great organization by the name of Living Beauty. They help women who have gone through cancer or are going through cancer by providing classes for them that have some kind of healing modality. I partnered up with yoga instructor Feri Ebrahimi and sound bath instructor Rona Rodrig to create day retreats with all these wonderful modalities. I taught the art portion. I began to see that my art classes could serve a higher purpose and deeper meaning and I just wanted to teach more of those classes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sherylbenjy.com
• Instagram: @sherylbenjy_art
• Facebook: @sherylbenjyfineartist
• Linkedin: @sherylbenjy
• Youtube: @sherylbenjy
• Yelp: Photography by Sheryl Benjy

Image Credits
Photography by Catherine Kang and Sheryl Benjy