Sheri/Dragon
2011, Charcoal, mixed media, collage, papers metal and watch parts on board
The Dragon is the only imaginary animal in the Mirror Shards series. Dragons have been depicted in myriad cultures around the world, symbols that express power, freedom, pride, ferocity, aggression, greed, loyalty, and ancient wisdom, the extremes of both good and evil.
The Dragon is a compound animal that reflects our need of animal metaphors. If no single animal suits our needs, we cobble together existent creatures to attain something that can't be achieved through a single beast. A Dragon is lizard, tiger, lion, snake, dinosaur, bat, eagle, and dog.
Calling up one's inner Dragon is a risky business. Its ferocity and aggression enable one to prevail in the face of a difficult experience, but anger and pride can lead to isolation and hurtful behavior.
The woman bearing this Dragon is Chicago-based painter Sheri Rush, a woman who embodies a stubborn, focused determination. Her paintings of wild landscapes resemble entire forests going up in flames. Sheri’s Dragon is part fortress, part weapon, and part cage, magnifying and entrapping her body in equal measure.