Meet Sherri Gallardo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherri Gallardo.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
A born and raised Phoenician I hear is something of a rarity. That once upon a time people weren’t born here so much as migrated. But being as I’ve been here for a lifetime it only seems right that the desert beauty is something that I have come to appreciate and incorporate in different aspects of my knitting. The house I grew up in with my sister, brother and mother we always referred to as the little house. It was a place where creativity was taught but was also a necessity. Different forms of creativity kept us clothed, entertained and occupied as I’m sure my mother hoped – so as to give her a few moments of peace from time to time. Knitting was one of the crafts we were exposed to but at the time I really didn’t take to it or expect I ever would. A few years back while visiting a very dear friend in Australia I learned that she was expecting a baby and for some reason had the overwhelming desire to knit her daughter a sweater. So as soon as I returned to Phoenix I went straight to my younger brother who had picked up and held onto that skill of knitting, told him what I wanted and asked him to teach me. He must have done a good job because I’ve been knitting ever since.

Please tell us about your art.
Knitting is primarily how I create these days. Since knitting that first little sweater I was excited by just how quickly you could have a tiny little garment constructed. And baby clothes? Well they’re just adorable. From sweaters I moved on to scarves, berets, pants, booties, toys, rattles. You name it, I knit it. Sometimes I create for function, a hat because it’s cold, other times it’s a totally frivolous knit rainbow sitting on a bed of homegrown cotton “clouds” just because. I think a large part of the inspiration behind my knitting is the past. Certainly, the past as in history. I love the vintage knits of prior years, and I love to see them with a modern twist. But I’m also influenced by my personal version of the past, what I experienced growing up. The fact that if I wanted something I knew it was more likely to be made than bought. The feeling that came with that. And while I didn’t always appreciate it at the time – the homemade version of whatever it was I wanted – I certainly do now. And that’s the feeling I try to capture in the items I create. That love. Those memories. So that if you give someone a little house item, you give a memory from the heart.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
It definitely can be a real issue, the financial side of your art. And at times you’ll need to put more money into it than you’re getting out of it.

Knowing your art form, where you can afford to be more frugal is a must. Connect with your local community and see how others in your field are coping and saving. Bringing up the topic on social media could prove useful as well.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Currently some of my toys and rattles are available in a local shop, Camelback Flower shop and online at www.camelbackflowershop.com in their Gift Box Collection tab. Also, online at Etsy (which I am admittedly still trying to figure out) at www.thelittlehouseandco.etsy.com or via my Instagram @lovethelittlehouse

Supporting my work can be as simple as following along on Instagram. I’d love to see you there!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thelittlehouseandco.etsy.com
• Email: thelittlehouseandco@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lovethelittlehouse

Image Credit:
Sherri Gallardo

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