This morning I walked the beach of my youth.  Leaving my footprints deep in the soft, pale grey volcanic sand, my steps led me straight to the edge of the incoming tide.  The gentle green waves washing around my ankles worked their magic.  My memories of those days of playing in the Gulf as a youngster drifted along the current of my nostalgia.  Turning back toward the sunrise, a roseate spoonbill punctuated the pinking clouds with choppy strokes of its own shade of rose.  My steps returning back across the sand were slowed by the memories of a special time and place in my life. 

It is a summer for reminiscing.  A reunion with my Venice (FL) High School classmates gathered us among the sand dunes that had been the heart of our universe.  We shared our memories of an innocent time when the bays and beaches of the Gulf of Mexico had been our playground.  Strands of beauty from this special region are tightly woven into the bonds of friendship we forged with each other as youths.  And holds us still.

Further re-tracing the tracks of my childhood, we will travel to the Great Smoky Mountains. There, where the tendrils of mist settle among the valleys (we call it “rabbits making coffee”), my deep love of Nature was instilled by my parents. It was among the lush greens of those ancient mounts where my powers of observation were honed as we hiked the trails and splashed in the clear streams around our camps.  The mists of the Smokies will always drift through my memories like a shadow and call to me in the heat of the Texas summer. 

2010 UPDATE

The shows of January gave us a welcome start to the New Year.  The new venue for the Dallas Safari Club Convention propelled it firmly into a position of international prominence.  With space for nearly 1,000 exhibitors, the gathering of guides, outfitters and artists from around the world created its own special whirlwind of anticipation. What a great way to introduce my new works!

Wheels humming, we next headed to the Safari Club International Convention in Reno, NV.  The miles in between gave us a chance to catch our breath and savor our encounters. Not to be outdone, SCI welcomed us with a performance by Stevie Nicks and then opened its doors to an eager throng. As always, the accents of far-flung countries piqued our imagination and made each new introduction an adventure. 

For the first time in several years the Spring Cottonwood show in Richardson, TX and the Texas Arts and Crafts Festival in Kerrville, TX favored us with good weather. We had earned it after the storms and downpours of last year. Keeping our booth buzzing, our friends (‘collector’ is far too formal a term for you) added their approval of my new images.  Because of the new direction my work is taking with my modified eyesight, your praise is my best guidepost.  You have given me the courage to forge ahead in a bold and fearless manner with a medium better known for its blandness.

New Works

“Wide-Eyed Wonder” Skittering around her mother, this little Zebra filly came to a skidding halt in front of our vehicle.  Batting her eyelashes in confusion, she had to choose between fright or frolic. Under the protective gaze of her vigilant dam she was able to seize the moment as one of pure joy and continued her exuberant romp.

“Heart of a Lioness” It was her youth, and it was her fire, that halted me in the manyatta. Only a teenager, she carried her baby with all the tenderness and skill of the older women.  Triggered by an outburst from some of the other women (was it envy?) the instinctive reaction to defend and defy flashed from her eyes in a burning glance. Embodying all it takes to survive in the Maasai culture, the expression on her face encapsulates the fire and mystery of Africa.

"When There Were Giants Among Us” Sneak attack.  Commemorating one of the last great Bulls of the Ngorongoro Crater, “Mawingu”, has closed the chapter on each of my safaris to Tanzania. After the bluster of a mock charge and backing off with tail raised high, he has circled around to our blind side to use the screen of acacia as his charge becomes serious.

New Offering

Taking a chance on presenting my work in a fresh way, we are now offering a selection of images on tumbled marble tiles. Each image permeates the stone and is resistant to moisture and wear.  They are ideal for use as coasters or to display individually as accent pieces.  Coming in a series of the Big Five, my Babies (Giraffe, Zebra, Lion, Camel and Elephant) and Longhorns, they make wonderful gifts to your friends.  Or just to reward yourself. Order them individually for $25 each or a set of five for $100, plus shipping.

Sherry Steele Safari 2011/2012

It took only a short time after opening the books for reservations to have our 2011 safari full.  In fact, there have been so many requests to join us that we are seriously considering leading another safari to Tanzania the following year.  Changing from our usual custom of skipping a year between safaris is a tempting thought…..you know I can never have enough of Africa! Please take a look at the “Safari” tab here on my website and contact me if you are interested in making the Sherry Steele Safari 2012 a reality.

Upcoming shows

We have made some changes to our show schedule,
please check the SHOWS page to see where we will be exhibiting.