20 Questions Interview
with Sherri Snyder

Artist, Painter, Psychotherapist

1. What's your name?

Sherri Snyder.

2. Where are you from?

Born in Florida, raised in Ohio, transplanted to and have lived in New England for 27 years.

3. Who are you today?

I am artist, professor, psychotherapist, workshop presenter, painter, gallery owner, dog-lover, web-designer.

4. What do you do? (Elevator speech)

I'll start with what I don't do — I don't really watch much TV...I live passionately each day, squeezing life out of each day, share it passionately with my clients, students, gallery visitors. Mon-Fri I am a psychotherapist, weaving creativity, guided imagery, meditation through my clinical work when I see it is needed. In my "free time", I am designing new artistic ideas for my artwork, weaving rugs, painting watercolors, creating collages, gardening, creating aromatherapy sprays, taking photographs, gardening, sewing, doing yoga, playing with the dogs, walking…

5. What's your story (how did you get here)?

I come from a long line of artistic and entrepreneurial relatives and ancestors. From them I acquired the courage to step out of the box. I have been writing poetry and drawing since I was young. But I was also "drawn" to helping others. Why not do it all? I double majored in college — art and psychology, completed a master's degree in art therapy, and continued my artwork. I have been exhibiting and selling my paintings since 1989 in the New England area. In 2010, we built an art studio/art gallery on my property in the woods. I am surrounded by nature, animals, bird sounds, and creativity. I love to inspire others who stop by and say "WOW, can I move in??! I love the creativity!"

6. Why is creativity important to you?

Creativity is a validation of being alive. It is my "mark"… my "I am" statement. Creativity is alive in my blood — it is how I see things when I walk, or drive. I don't just see things, I see imaginings, sparks for the next creative project. I get on a "kick" for a while or sewing, or making inspirational collages (my own "Peace Flags") and I just explore that medium for a while until I am inspired to switch gears to another medium. I find that the process of "creating" is a meditative process for me, soothing, and re-energizing at the same time.

7. When/how did you realize you had a creative dream or calling to fulfill?

When I was 10 years old, my family traveled to New Orleans, and I saw artists all over the streets, painting, drawing…. That is when I decided I wanted to pursue an artistic path.

8. How did you embrace it?

I never stopped creating. I never gave up when it was tough, or challenging, or not exactly how I wanted it to turn out. In high school I attended a commercial design program, found mentors through my life to inspire me and help me continue on my path.

9. How did that feel?

Amazing!

10. Where has your journey taken you?

Physically, I have traveled through many countries — Greece, England, Ireland, New Mexico, Iceland, Scotland, France. I am in awe of the diversity in nature, cultures, people, and spirits. I have taught Graduate School at two universities — for about 14 years — in counseling/psychology, and have providing counseling for about 26 years.

Spiritually, my creative path has led me to be more self-assured, confident in my unique path, not caring if I "didn't fit it". I now live in the country and am surrounded by acres of woods, woodsy scents, nature, owls, coyote and constant inspiration.

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