Chamber Featured Member of the Month – Alisha Merrick

Alisha Merrick – Contributed photo

Alisha Merrick moved to San Juan Island in the fall of 2012 with only a carload of her favorite most important things. Having no real studio, she painted watercolors, drew pictures and took photographs of all things that inspired her. Eventually she rented a space in a glass studio on her road in the woods and immersed herself into the art community as best she could, attending the Farmers Market, the Friday Art Market and the Artists Studio Tour as a guest.

In 2014 she got her own studio in the Surina Business Park, began creating work in more of a production style and continued developing her following locally. She was there for 3 ½ years until she moved her studio home where her creativity blossomed more than ever. She has had a kiosk in the Art Village at Roche Harbor for 5 consecutive summers.

Alisha has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Cleveland Institute of Art in Ohio with a concentration in enameling. This is her primary medium, though she still enjoys painting and drawing as well. Her primary source of inspiration is nature and abstract imagery of ferns and flowers, which grace her designs across all mediums.

Her work focuses on bold color, minimalist designs and the patterns and colors found inherently in nature. Her focus is twofold, as a jeweler with an established production line, and a growing desire to move towards statement pieces that push her to grow as a metalsmith, and as a painter dreaming of large scale works, stretching her wings to loosen up and go big – the exact opposite of working on tiny jewels.

This spring she will be embarking on an exciting new adventure, opening a brick and mortar storefront in downtown Friday Harbor, showcasing the wide range of pieces and products she creates for locals and tourists alike. Her shop, called FERN, will be a haven of calmness and beauty, a place to go for stylish one of a kind utilitarian gifts by a carefully curated selection of artisans. Alisha feels incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the support the community has given her to realize her dream.

www.alishamerrickart.com
Home studio open by appointment until FERN opens.

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