Sher-ing second selves

As junior Dani Sher finished sketching on her paper in history class, she was surprised by the outcome of the doodle- a screaming face. She didn’t know how, but she had just depicted her inner self through her art. Sher is a skilled artist who discovered her talent her freshman year. After enrolling in a Drawing and Painting class at her former school, she noticed her skills and started recognizing art as a part of herself.

“I’m pretty new at this and self-taught.” Sher says. Despite getting a late start on art, her natural talent has helped her become a better artist.

Sher describes her style as philosophical, with interest in the human body and its expressions. She works in various mediums, ranging from charcoal drawing to sculpting. Because she identifies as a perfectionist, she focuses more on classical art rather than abstract.

Sher feels that it is important that art provides a creative outlet for her. Dealing with every day struggles, at school or in daily life, she inputs her emotion into her works.

Even though art has become a prominent part in Sher’s life, she hopes to secure a different career route.

“It’s my dream to become an artist, but with today’s social standards, it’s impossible,” Sher said. She views the career as a dying profession.

Instead, Sher has shown interest in education. She would like to teach at a professional level in English, art, or psychology.

Unlike her sophomore year, Sher is not taking AP Studio Art this year. Instead, she receives help from her mentors, Janice Weissman and Sheila Goldberg. Weissman and Goldberg, who are family friends with Sher, have offered to spend more time with her. Her mentors have helped her with basic techniques and challenge her to think outside the box more often.

Unlike some parents today, Sher’s family have been strongly supportive of her interest.

“My parents love seeing my art featured in areas- they love looking at my doodle pad.” Sher says.

Sher’s works have been featured in multiple galleries. At one in Las Vegas, she was discovered by a couple who would later purchase one of her paintings. She has sold another painting to a psychiatric office. Though leaving the city over a year ago, she still remains connected with Las Vegas, participating in galleries continuing to sell pieces there. The money Sher has received from paintings went to her college funds, and with the money left over, she bought more art supplies. She has sold a total of 14 pieces, mostly consisting of charcoal drawings.

Sher’s art have been stand-out pieces from the start. When entering for her first gallery feature in ninth grade, her work was different than her peers. The theme of the gallery entries were assigned to be focused on the feelings of teenagers and grief.

“All the other paintings by the other kids were black and white- mine was the only one that was high-colored.”

By creating art, Sher lets her subconscious have a voice. Her art continues to surprise her, realizing more about herself through each piece. “I feel like there’s a hidden door inside me, and every time I use art, I unlock it.” Sher says. “It’s amazing how your second self can speak to you.”