Face forward - even if not moving forward

It is difficult to pick one topic to begin this blog. There is no life crisis to write about and no soapbox needed to proclaim truth. So today’s post begins with one of my favourite acquaintances: Cheryl Oudshoorn. Her artistic name is "Cheryl O". Who else but a Dutchie could pronounce her last name anyway, right?

She is a member at my old church back in London, Ontario, Canada. She is an artist extraordinaire. Before she began to display her works on the internet, she had public shows in humble venues—and I attended every one in the early days. Then her exposure grew with displays at local art galleries. Then it progressed to weekend long displays at high-traffic malls, along with the work of her students. I haven’t lived in London for a number of years now, but her work kept progressing to places where people could enjoy it.

But now I proudly present Cheryl’s work to you! Click here to get to her site. It’s updated on a regular basis with new work. She is as prolific as she is talented. For those who haven’t seen any of her previous work, you’ve missed out . But here is the best part: much of her original artwork is for sale ! She also does commissioned work.

There is one piece she did years ago of a surreal African tribal leader. It is just so great. I asked her, "How much?"

"It’s not for sale," she replied. "There are a few works I’ve done that won’t leave the studio. Would you like a print?"

"No way," I said. "I will only accept a Cheryl Oudshoorn original, not an imitation." She laughed at my persistence to own and admire the real thing; created by the artist’s own hand.

In the meantime, visit her site. Check out a show where her work is on display. The actual work is far better than what can be shown on a computer screen—and even those are quite nice. Hot tip: watch her slideshow.