At Wailea Contemporary Gallery, Sheri Levin McNerthney stands out not only as a co-owner but as an artist whose work radiates tranquility and mastery of color. As both a painter and fiber artist, Sheri bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistry, reflecting her deep connection to Maui’s landscapes and her lifelong exploration of color relationships. Her creations, whether luminous watercolor paintings or intricate ondule weavings, evoke serenity and encourage contemplation.
Art as Refuge: Sheri’s Creative Philosophy
For Sheri, creating art is not just an act of making—it’s an expansive refuge where she finds connection and calm. “Making art is a space where I can slow down and truly see,” she explains. “It’s a way to engage with the present moment and invite others into that same sense of stillness.”
This philosophy is rooted in personal experience. Sheri shares that her creative journey was shaped by moments of conflict and depression. “For me, the best antidote to pain is to embrace what is and be in the moment,” she says. Art became her pathway to serenity, each piece a signpost along her journey to wholeness.
Her choice of mediums reflects this mindset. Sheri’s watercolors are luminous and layered, achieved through a painstaking process of blending magenta, cyan, and yellow pigments. Each painting begins with washes of yellow in varying values, building depth layer by layer. “I spend a lot of time watching paint dry,” she laughs, “but it’s worth it for the glow that emerges.”
Her weavings bring a tactile, three-dimensional quality to her exploration of light. “I strive to capture and reflect the light of my Maui home and the inner light of the viewer,” Sheri shares. The interplay of warp and weft threads creates intricate patterns, reminiscent of pointillism in Impressionist painting.
A Life Shaped by Color
Sheri’s decades-long study of color relationships, guided by her mentor Dick Nelson, has deeply influenced her work. Nelson, a student of Josef Albers, instilled in Sheri a profound understanding of how color interacts and transforms. “Learning to truly see color takes time and commitment,” she reflects. “It’s about understanding how colors shift based on light and context.”
This depth of understanding allows Sheri to create pieces that feel luminous and alive. Her watercolors, with their transparent layers, seem to glow from within. “Each layer adds complexity and vibrancy,” she explains, “but it’s also about knowing when to stop—when the balance feels just right.”
Ondule Weaving: A Contemporary Take on Tradition
While Sheri’s watercolors are rooted in the fluidity of paint, her ondule weavings offer a structured yet equally dynamic exploration of color. Using traditional techniques with a contemporary twist, Sheri creates pieces that seem to dance with light.
The undulation in her weavings creates movement and depth, with the wave-like patterns adding a dynamic texture. This interplay allows colors to shift and shimmer as viewers change their perspective, offering a unique and ever-evolving visual experience. Each thread is chosen carefully, inspired by Maui’s natural palette—the soft hues of dawn, the bold tones of volcanic rock, and the shimmering blues of the ocean. Each thread is chosen carefully, inspired by Maui’s natural palette—the soft hues of dawn, the bold tones of volcanic rock, and the shimmering blues of the ocean. “Weaving allows me to explore color in a tactile way,” she says. “The history of textiles fascinates me, and pushing the limits of the medium keeps me constantly curious.”
Sheri’s weaving process involves meticulous planning. From selecting fibers to threading the warp on the loom, each step requires precision. “Silk, linen, cotton, hemp—each material brings something unique to the piece,” she explains. “The interplay of texture and color is where the magic happens.”
“Pushing the limits of the materials, exploring the possibilities of the process, and continually asking ‘What if…’ is at the core of my approach,” Sheri adds. This sense of curiosity drives her innovative techniques, ensuring each piece is as dynamic as it is intentional.
Inspirations from Maui and Beyond
Living on Maui provides Sheri with an endless source of inspiration. “The light here is unlike anywhere else,” she shares. “It’s constantly shifting, creating new moods and moments to capture.” From her home in Olinda, perched on the slopes of Haleakalā, Sheri wakes each morning to expansive views of the North Shore and West Maui Mountains. These daily encounters with Maui’s beauty infuse her work with a sense of expansiveness and light.
Her travels have also played a vital role in shaping her artistry. From studying with master weavers in Japan to exploring artistic traditions in Europe, Sheri has drawn from a wide array of influences. “Working with master artisans taught me to honor the materials and the process,” she explains. “These experiences have shaped not only my techniques but also my philosophy as an artist.”
One of her most formative mentors, Yoshiko Wada, emphasized the importance of knowing one’s materials and embracing the unexpected. “Attention to detail and openness to serendipity are lessons I carry with me in every piece I create,” Sheri says.
A Global Perspective: Travels and Mentors
Sheri’s dedication to learning has taken her across the globe. In Japan, she immersed herself in the philosophy and precision of traditional weaving, blurring the lines between fine art and craft. In India and China, she discovered the intricate histories of textile production. These experiences broadened her understanding of how art can bridge cultures and traditions.
“These journeys gave me a global perspective,” she reflects. “They enriched my work and helped me see the universal language of art.”
Balancing Art and Community at Wailea Contemporary Gallery
As one of the co-owners of Wailea Contemporary Gallery, Sheri’s role extends beyond creating art. She is deeply involved in fostering a vibrant community of artists and collectors. The gallery, which she co-founded with Kari McCarthy and Tim Garcia, serves as a cornerstone for Maui’s contemporary art scene.
“Running a gallery is a balancing act,” Sheri admits, “but it’s incredibly rewarding to create a space where artists and collectors can come together, share stories, and find inspiration.”
Her dual role as artist and gallery co-owner provides unique insights. “I understand the vulnerability that comes with sharing your work,” she says. “That’s why we strive to make the gallery a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.”
Sheri’s vision for the gallery extends beyond its walls. “I’d love for us to participate in a mainland or international art fair within the next five years,” she shares. “It would also be incredible to create a destination art fair on Maui, showcasing the island’s unique artistic voice.”
Final Reflections
Sheri Levin McNerthney’s work is a celebration of light, color, and connection. Through her paintings and weavings, she invites viewers into serene spaces of imagination, offering a moment of pause in a busy world. Her dual role as an artist and co-owner of Wailea Contemporary Gallery underscores her commitment to fostering creativity and community on Maui.
To experience Sheri’s work firsthand, visit Wailea Contemporary Gallery, where her pieces inspire collectors and art lovers alike to view the world with a sense of beauty and boundless possibility.