Episode Summary: All Of It – Amy Sherrill’s 'American Sublime' Portraits at the Whitney

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Guest: Amy Sherrill
• Episode Title: Amy Sherrill’s 'American Sublime' Portraits at the Whitney
• Release Date: April 9, 2025
• Description: In this episode, host Alison Stewart interviews artist Amy Sherrill about her new exhibition, "American Sublime," at the Whitney Museum. The discussion delves into Sherrill's artistic journey, her creative processes, specific pieces from the exhibition, and the profound personal experiences that have shaped her work.

Introduction to American Sublime

The episode opens with Alison Stewart welcoming listeners and introducing Amy Sherrill’s latest exhibition, "American Sublime," which features approximately 50 of Sherrill’s vibrant and thought-provoking portraits. Sherrill’s work is currently on display at the Whitney Museum and includes pieces not previously showcased in New York, as well as a newly commissioned billboard across from the museum.

Notable Quote:

• "It's nice to be here," [02:13] – Amy Sherrill

Artistic Journey and Manifestation of the Exhibition

Alison Stewart begins by exploring the behind-the-scenes efforts leading up to the exhibition. Sherrill describes the experience of preparing for the show as akin to a wedding, filled with emotional highs and a sense of community amidst a tumultuous world.

Notable Quote:

• "There's a lot of tears and hugs and just kind of pure joy," [02:28] – Amy Sherrill

Sherrill recounts her early days as an artist, highlighting a pivotal moment at Pace Gallery where she realized the importance of dedicating herself to her craft rather than relying solely on networking.

Notable Quote:

• "It wasn't gonna happen magically. It's just gonna happen when the work is ready," [03:16] – Amy Sherrill

Discovery and Education in Art

Growing up in Columbus, Georgia, Sherrill’s initial exposure to art came through encyclopedias rather than museums. This early self-guided education fostered her fascination with art history and influential artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Notable Quote:

• "I discover art in encyclopedias... I was meeting Michelangelo, Leonardo and all those guys," [05:33] – Amy Sherrill

Her formal education in art began in earnest during her time in college, where Dr. Arturo Lindsay played a significant role in shaping her approach to storytelling through art.

Transition to Oil and Canvas

Sherrill explains her transition from acrylics to oil paints as a step towards achieving a more sophisticated and mature artistic expression. This shift was influenced by her desire to be seen as a "grown-up" artist.

Notable Quote:

• "When I was in graduate school, I felt like it was the thing to do to paint in oil paints," [10:43] – Amy Sherrill

Themes and Techniques in American Sublime

Process Painting and Evolution of Techniques

Sherrill discusses her early work, specifically the painting "Hangman" from 2007. She describes it as a process painting where experimentation led her to question and ultimately evolve her artistic style.

Notable Quote:

• "I was asking questions because I had just come back from Columbus, Georgia, taking care of my family," [11:09] – Amy Sherrill

Grisaille and Its Significance

The artist introduces her use of grisaille—a gray monochromatic palette—for skin tones, which began after the creation of "Hangman." This technique allows viewers to focus on color and pattern before engaging with the figure's identity.

Notable Quote:

• "Grisaille... it's a way to address that where when you're approaching the work, you see color first," [15:38] – Amy Sherrill

Highlighted Artworks in the Exhibition

"As an American, as apple pie" (2020)

One of the standout pieces, "As an American, as apple pie," is a large-scale painting depicting a Brooklyn couple with their 1973 Buick. The artwork challenges traditional American symbols, offering a contemporary take on identity and belonging.

Notable Quote:

• "We're swapping out these iconic kind of tropes that come into play when you think about what Americanism is," [17:40] – Amy Sherrill

"If you could surrender to the air" (2019)

Inspired by Toni Morrison’s Beloved, this painting portrays a black man suspended on a beam, alluding to both historical and personal narratives.

Notable Quote:

• "It's a line from Toni Morrison's novel Beloved," [18:37] – Amy Sherrill

"Listening You a Wonder, You're a City of a Woman"

Named after a Lucille Clifton poem, this piece captures the essence of a woman’s identity and personal narrative, highlighted by subtle details like a missing wedding ring.

Notable Quote:

• "It's a painting of a woman in a black and white dress... there's a tan line on her ring finger where she's missing her wedding ring," [24:30] – Amy Sherrill

Personal Experiences Shaping Her Art

Heart Transplant and Its Impact

Sherrill shares her profound personal journey, including a heart transplant at age 39. This life-altering experience reinforced her commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity.

Notable Quote:

• "I was waiting for my heart for two months at Johns Hopkins University... I have to leave things up to my heart," [25:30] – Amy Sherrill

She reflects on how facing mortality compelled her to pursue her passion relentlessly, leading to significant achievements like having her work acquired by the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Notable Quote:

• "I was so happy about that I didn't quit. I stayed true to myself," [25:38] – Amy Sherrill

Artistic Philosophy and Future Directions

Sherrill emphasizes the universality of her work, striving to place her black identity within a broader American narrative without reducing it to a single topic.

Notable Quote:

• "Race is important, but it doesn't need to be the most important thing about the work," [16:37] – Amy Sherrill

She also touches on the physical demands of large-scale paintings and how they necessitate a different approach to composition and detail.

Notable Quote:

• "It's very physical... I realized that my highlights had to be hotter and the contrast really needed to be there," [20:04] – Amy Sherrill

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Amy Sherrill offers a deep dive into her artistic process, the personal experiences that have shaped her work, and the thematic richness of her "American Sublime" exhibition. Through her vibrant portraits and thoughtful narratives, Sherrill invites viewers to engage with complex conversations about identity, authenticity, and the evolving landscape of American culture.

Notable Sections and Quotes with Timestamps:

• [02:13] – "It's nice to be here." – Amy Sherrill introduces herself.
• [03:16] – "It wasn't gonna happen magically. It's just gonna happen when the work is ready." – Sherrill reflects on her approach to success.
• [05:33] – "I was meeting Michelangelo, Leonardo and all those guys." – Early art inspirations.
• [10:43] – "When I was in graduate school, I felt like it was the thing to do to paint in oil paints." – Transition to oil and canvas.
• [15:38] – "Grisaille... it's a way to address that where when you're approaching the work, you see color first." – Use of grisaille technique.
• [17:40] – "We're swapping out these iconic kind of tropes that come into play when you think about what Americanism is." – Interpretation of "As an American, as apple pie."
• [18:37] – "It's a line from Toni Morrison's novel Beloved." – Inspiration for "If you could surrender to the air."
• [24:30] – "It's a painting of a woman in a black and white dress... there's a tan line on her ring finger where she's missing her wedding ring." – Details on "Listening You a Wonder, You're a City of a Woman."
• [25:30] – "I was waiting for my heart for two months at Johns Hopkins University... I have to leave things up to my heart." – Heart transplant experience.
• [25:38] – "I was so happy about that I didn't quit. I stayed true to myself." – Commitment to art post-transplant.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Amy Sherrill’s interview on All Of It, highlighting her artistic evolution, personal resilience, and the thematic depth of her "American Sublime" exhibition. For those interested in contemporary art and the intricate narratives it can convey, this episode offers valuable insights into Sherrill’s creative world.