We recently had the chance to connect with Cher Shaffer and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Cher, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am walking a path. My life has been a series of pathways, but when I started to get deep into the forest of my soul, I realized I was born to create. So, with gratitude, I follow that path, and am always glad that I have the gift to create, and express from my heart.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am old, but still young in my heart. At 78, I can look back and be proud that I am a self-taught artist., and have had lots of years creating, and learning to dig , deep into my spirit, and let what I see come forth.
Recently, I have become very involved in creating small visionary paintings that are about the Mountain Fairies. Yes, I have seen a few. They are elusive, but magical and very much a part of my reality., as they have been since I was a child. This body of work comes almost as a reward for a very hard year of healing from a heart surgery. I feel like it is a glimpse into a world full of possibilities, That world has many things that have not been seen, but would like to be.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I was a child my family lived on a small farm, in rural Georgia. My sisters and I spent most of the time we were not doing our chores, playing in the woods. The pine thickets, creeks, and meadows were our world. We built huts, and made dolls and toys from the red clay, and sticks we found around us. I remember feeling like I was a part of the natural world, and could shift into a tree, or an animal at will.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I am terrified of the dark. I was a sleep walker when I was small, and never realized that I would go out into the dark, and not realize it. My sister Arlene, would sing to me when I was afraid at night. That soothed me and I would be able to calm myself, and go back to sleep.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
That the world around us in one of many layers of reality
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am doing what I came into this world to do. I hope that what I do makes others think deeply, feel joy, and creates a sense of wonder and possibilities.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Cher Shaffer
- Facebook: Cher Shaffer
Image Credits
Dennis Connolly photographer
Dennis Connolly photographer
