Sherwin Long started his time at MassArt as an architecture major thinking he would be a civil engineer. Then one day a professor noticed he was taking all figure drawing electives. Although a difficult decision, Long knew drawing was where his heart was and made the switch to illustration. In what he calls a “transformative” process, Long was able to reconnect with his lifelong love of drawing and find purpose in his artistic practice.
His work, recently featured on GBH’s Community Canvas mural, is heavily influenced by the graffiti and murals in his community with a splash of fine art. Having lived in a variety of Boston neighborhoods up the street from MassArt, from Roxbury to Dorchester to Roslindale and now Jamaica Plain, Long relishes the opportunity to reflect his life experience in his artwork. He also knows that art has the ability to uplift individuals as well as communities.
“The message I try to convey in my artwork is one of self-empowerment and the ability to create your own destiny,” Long said. “The vibrant colors, smooth line work, and collage of styles all come from my story.”
Growing up in a chaotic environment, Long often turned to art to cope. And while it might have been easy to retreat before, as he puts it “you can’t hide at an art school.” At MassArt, Long says he found his “inner spirit warrior” by breaking down what he thought he knew and gaining the mental fortitude to become a stronger artist and person. He also credits Head of Illustration, Linda Burke, with lifting him up when he felt like he wasn’t good enough.
“Everyday I challenge myself to make life more interesting,” Long shared. “My time at MassArt showed me there is always an opportunity to improve not only your art, but your life.”
Sherwin Long is a local illustrator from Dorchester and graduated in 2013 with a BFA in Illustration. Learn more about how our creative community is shaping the future of art, design, and innovation for the common good at massart.edu.
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