I have always been deeply interested in the viewer, pondering why some people engage with art while others do not. This curiosity led me to start asking questions directed at the audience.
For one project, I asked, "What did you do today?" In this endeavour, I created a painting for each day of my life over the course of a year. Another project posed the question, "What do you wish?" For this touring initiative, I designed six booths where participants could touch a wishing token and leave their written wishes for others to see. I also explored the question, "What are your worries?" By creating an individual sanctuary that toured hospitals, I invited people to share their concerns. For yet another undertaking, I asked, "What do you want to celebrate?" This project was part of The Cultural Olympiad in collaboration with the National Trust.
Despite the completion of these projects, I often felt as if something was missing. Then, I acquired an iPad and began drawing, a decision that transformed my artistic practice. I realised I could create while remaining connected to people. This idea evolved into the project “WHAT MAKES YOU/YOU?” which started in 2013 and is still thriving 11 years later. With the support of an Arts Council Grant, the “WHAT MAKES YOU/YOU?” project was launched through a bespoke website and social media. Each response serves as inspiration for a unique digital image, presenting a constant challenge that also brings me immense joy. Early in the project, I was honoured to win The Lumen Founder’s Prize. Carla Rapoport, the founder of the Lumen Prize, provided uplifting encouragement by stating, “I am particularly taken with the open and engaging way that you are connecting with the subjects of your art, the nature of the work itself, and your interest as an artist in exploring and visualising such personal themes. Your goals also reflect my goals when launching the prize—that is, to promote the engaging and enabling aspects of digital art as well as the art itself.”
Working on my iPad allows me to carry my studio with me, enabling me to create on a plane, train, or even while relaxing in front of the television or listening to a podcast. The iPad has liberated my creative process, freeing me from concerns about materials—no more stuff. This project has become a companion, helping me navigate difficult times and providing consistency in my life. I collaborate with one person at a time, working many many hours each week to produce an image that responds to the answer to the question WHAT MAKES YOU/YOU? Each Sunday morning, I upload the new image and notify the individual, I frequently receive a lovely response and that fuels my passion for this ongoing project. The answers come from diverse individuals worldwide, and the project currently contains over 800 images and counting.
I have also collaborated with various organisations, The National Museum of Justice and Nottingham Prison, Loughborough University, The Hope Centre (a homeless charity) and Narture (a bakery in Ayr, Scotland they bake bread to earn the dough to fund arts projects).
My primary concern is with one individual at a time. This endless journey I am on centers around the image I am creating for a single person. While it’s a public project, it remains deeply intimate. I don’t seek hundreds of likes; a meaningful response from just one viewer is enough for me. Here are some of the responses I've received:
“Your work is very meaningful and plants seeds of love and beauty. What a healing art in a broken world.”
“Thank you for brightening the world of pixels with your wonderful talent and imagination!”
“Profound and Wonderful.... love the vibrant colors...”
“The essence that is you will never die. That spark of your creative mind will spread across the universe making it a better place for all.”
These responses are like gold dust during my darker times, providing the encouragement I need to persevere with this unending project. They remind me of the impact my work has on others and inspire me to continue creating.
Where you can find WHAT MAKES YOU/YOU?
website https://www.wmyy.co.uk/
facebook https://www.facebook.com/sallysheinmanwhatmakesyouyou/
instagram https://www.instagram.com/sallysheinmanwhatmakesyouyou/
tictok https://www.tiktok.com/@sheinmansally/