By Laine FullertonSheridan Vigers is a mixed media artist empowering novice makers around the world to dip a toe into the mesmerising world of resin art.
Born into a family of DIY enthusiasts – and proclaimed an art prodigy by her primary school teacher – it’s no surprise that creativity became Sheri’s life. Sheri quickly fell in love with the endless possibilities of fluid art, and after making her first resin wave-themed artwork, she realised you don’t need to be a pro to create a masterpiece worthy of a prime spot in your home.
After a decade of experimenting with this free-flowing medium, Sheri has more than 100 thousand YouTube subscribers and a strong community that leans on her for beginner-friendly resin art advice. Teaching at popular art hubs all over Brisbane, she covers everything from resin flower preservation to fabric ice dyeing.
While Sheri might have hit the jackpot when it comes to artistic genes, her workshops are all about proving that anyone can be creative, no matter their beginnings.
The first thing I ever made…
My mother tells the story of my first artwork in grade one at school, where the teacher pulled her aside to show her the hand I had sculpted. Apparently, the teacher was shocked as it was the only one in the class that actually looked like a hand. My mother has kept it to this day.
I have always loved art and was lucky enough to have an art scholarship at school from grade three, so I was encouraged to create from a really young age. My first resin artwork was a wave-themed resin artwork that I made for my own bedroom. All my friends loved it and wanted me to create a similar artwork for them too. Then they asked me to teach them the process and so I made my very first YouTube video as a way to teach my interstate friends too.
I’m on a mission to…
Help other people unleash their creativity, especially for the first time. It’s a joy to help other people realise that everyone can make art.
When I’m working with resin…
I feel relaxed, I get in my creative zone and nothing else matters. My art studio is my happy place where all my creating happens. I never have to force myself to be there because I would spend all day every day in there if I could.
Teaching others has taught me…
How fulfilling it is to see a student who thought they could never create go beyond their comfort zone. I have learnt that art is very subjective and everyone has the ability to create. I have the best job where I get to encourage and inspire people who never thought they could create artwork. Watching them fall in love with their piece and proudly hang it in their homes adds a whole other layer of satisfaction to my job.
I also love to instruct and inspire fellow makers who already love to create but want to learn new skills and techniques. My online resin art courses are my pride and joy because it allows me to reach a much larger audience all over the world. It’s amazing to think how small the creative world has become when technology meets art.
Christmas smells like…
Seafood on the barbecue. My mum makes a big deal of Christmas every year and over-decorates everything but there is so much comfort in that.
We always have a shared lunch with salads, cold meats and seafood on the barbecue. Then around six different desserts which are, of course, the best part. When it comes to presents, there are a lot of handmade gifts as my mum is also a maker and ClassBento teacher.
The afternoon is filled with swimming, sunbathing and of course, nibbling on my mum’s homemade chocolates and other festive goodies. Christmas day in Australia is very different and all about soaking up the hot weather and the start of an entire week of lazy summer days.
This year I’m grateful for…
My health and that I live in Australia during these tough times. My brother is also a full-time artist who lives in Europe and due to the pandemic, he hasn’t been able to create for two whole years. The lockdown has been so strict and it has been almost impossible for him to get art supplies. We have of course had some restrictions here as well but even during lockdown we could still access most supplies and continue to create.
I feel so blessed that I have been able to become a full-time artist with my own studio space - I couldn’t wish for a better life!
