BIO

Cheryl Juracich (b. 1986) is an American painter whose artistic journey began in childhood, driven by a natural inclination to study people across time and space. Her work celebrates sensory interplay and delves into themes of the metaphysical, perceptual phenomena, and sacred rituals.

 

At the age of 16, Cheryl gave birth to a son, an experience that profoundly shaped her development as both an artist and a mother. Painting became a powerful means of self-discovery and meditation, leading her to explore her ancestry and their stories of resilience and adaptation over the past century.

 

Cheryl earned her BFA in Painting from Arizona State University in 2014. In 2021, she made the pivotal decision to leave her job and dedicate herself to painting full-time. She currently lives and works in Prescott, Arizona

THE WORK 

In early 2022, I started exploring my interest in old photographs outside of the studio. I was fascinated by how these photos captured everyday moments that unknowingly became part of history. These intimate snapshots made me feel connected to the idea that my experiences are shared by many others across time. It also made me think about how our actions and thoughts continue to influence the future, even after we're gone.

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As I continued painting, I became interested in adding layers to my work based on my understanding of light and color. I try not to overcomplicate the details, reminding myself that perfection isn't the goal—everything is always changing and evolving.

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Today, my painting practice is exploratory and devotional. The visual language that has emerged in my work, can be described as fractured, dreamlike, and nostalgic. The psychological themes that I’m working with, revolve around loss, honoring remembrance, identity, survival and provision, shattering dualistic thinking, and the sacred in the everyday.

 

By blending different times and spaces in my paintings, I aim to create a dialogue with my own thoughts and, hopefully, help viewers connect with their own sense of timelessness and transcendence.

For more about my process, philosophy, and current events, follow me on instagram @_spellbreaker_

Photo credit: Morgan Leiberman. 2024.