By Lee Ann Leonard
When you discover local artist Sherry Yuhas’ work, her influences are obvious. Her clay starfish, candleholders, bowls and serving pieces are often encrusted with barnacles and other crustaceans, as if plucked straight from the sparkling sea. Panama City Beach’s broken shells, sun-bleached driftwood and coastal creatures, plus its calming coastal colors, provide constant inspiration. “The colors of the coast inspire my palette choices–from emerald blue-green waters to those vibrant orange-red sunsets,” Yuhas shares.
When inspiration hits, the Bay County resident’s process begins with experimentation and play. “I usually visualize the process in my head before I execute it in material form. I do equal amounts of hand building and wheel throwing. I enjoy wheel throwing pieces and then hand altering them,” Yuhas explains.
While art is her secondary income source, the nature lover finds working from her home studio, which includes a wheel, kiln, clays and glazes, therapeutic. “It’s enjoyable to be creative so it doesn’t feel like work,” Yuhas says.
Self-taught until her 40s, she encourages others to dive in and let creativity flow, as trying new activities can take you to surprising places. “I first signed up for a painting class at Gulf Coast State College and absolutely loved it,” Yuhas exclaims. “The next semester, I enrolled as a full-time art major. I became president of the art club and did two consecutive study abroad programs to Skopelos, Greece, with the art department.”
The student will become the teacher when she hosts classes or workshops soon. Look for updates on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.yuhas.3. Until then, would-be artists, seasoned artists and art enthusiasts can explore Yuhas’ creations at Carousel Supermarket’s gift shop or at annual events including Wild Heron’s “Art in the Park” and Gulf Coast State College’s “Public Eye Soar.” Like the shimmering shells that line Panama City Beach’s shores, her pieces are worth collecting.
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