Image of Colleen Furlotte from www.facebook.com/colleen.furlotte Submitted by: Melody Land, CAC Coordinator
When you first meet Hillsborough resident, Danica Sherry, you are immediately disarmed by her gentle demeanor and humble spirit. Though small communities are what they are, having utilized her photography services, and after knowing her for over a decade, much of her work, and her accomplishments, were still unknown to me. She simply doesn't mention accolades unless asked directly. In fact, when she was approached to be featured in a documentary by award-winning local filmmaker, Colleen Furlotte, it was months before there was a whisper of it happening to reach my ears. I only discovered it was complete through a chance meeting with Colleen herself.
When you first meet Hillsborough resident, Danica Sherry, you are immediately disarmed by her gentle demeanor and humble spirit. Though small communities are what they are, having utilized her photography services, and after knowing her for over a decade, much of her work, and her accomplishments, were still unknown to me. She simply doesn't mention accolades unless asked directly. In fact, when she was approached to be featured in a documentary by award-winning local filmmaker, Colleen Furlotte, it was months before there was a whisper of it happening to reach my ears. I only discovered it was complete through a chance meeting with Colleen herself.
Image of the creation of "A Fervent Pull" submitted by Colleen Furlotte I could hear the intensity and excitement in the voice of Colleen during our first phone call regarding her project, "A Fervent Pull". She is the director and producer of this three-part documentary series, partnered by colleagues and friends John Maher as musician and audio engineer, and Riverview cameraman Wes Perry, in addition to partnership with Bell TV. In our initial conversation, Colleen, immediately drew me into the project with her descriptions of finding the most intriguing and incredible stories here, tucked away in our small community of Albert County. She shared her passion of getting to know the three individuals featured, and as we spoke and realized our shared friendship with Danica, we quickly came to consensus on two points:
1. Danica is one of those artists that is so intrinsically gifted, she is fully unaware of her uniqueness, depth of ability - her magic.
2. We want to tell everyone about her.
In the documentary, we learn so much about Danica. We see her engaged in her craft, and a story unfolds that tells of a woman who has as much need for creative expression as breathing. We are allowed in to witness how that need was breathed into existence, wrapping itself around a young family, turning daily mundane things and activities into light-filled magical moments of historical drama, or joyful whimsy, or social commentary. At the initial screening of "A Fervent Pull", Danica was always quick to shine the spotlight on others, her children (who were the initial focal point of her photography, and are often still), facing a room of accolades with an unpretentious explanation, "...it's all about capturing the light and using what you have around you."
Danica, and the familiarity that has developed between she and Colleen, makes the creating of this documentary seem as an intimate project between friends, a gift, and somewhat like having a professional come and create a family video for you. I suspect the film will age as a beloved time capsule for Danica, her partner, and their children; capturing their growth and their love together, and for each other, from a point of view expertly curated and put to music by Colleen, John, and Wes. For the rest of us however, the film also showcases an incredible commentary of everyday people with unwavering passion. It weaves a fascinating story thread through the lives of three very different individuals that is equally as engaging from an entertainment point of view as it is inspiring and motivational. Colleen writes in the synopsis of her documentary, "from underrated places often come the most intriguing people." I couldn't agree more.
When I spoke to Danica about the beginning of her creative journey there is a wistfulness in her voice, and she shares an intriguing story of a little girl who, from the time she can remember, saw the world differently. One can almost picture her as a child, long hair floating over her shoulders as her fingers turned each page in the art books she consumed.
“I fell in love with art as a child. Libraries were my hideaway, and in there, it felt like the world was at the reach of my fingertips. The art section was particularly captivating to me. I was fascinated by painters. I would study their works in detail; how light and shadow fell. How colour was present in both light and shadows; pale greens, blues and browns, and shadows rich with purples, blues, and reds. Light and shadow weren’t black, gray and white, but a symphony of colour. I studied the dance of light across a scene. Magically, it brought life to the painting.
Storytelling in imagery, whether by painting or photograph, immerses you, layer by layer. I was entranced by this process, and digested everything I could as a youth, book by book. I took a few high school art classes, falling in love with painting. I dabbled in photography in my early twenties, but it wasn’t until I was out of that baby-dazed stage of motherhood that I had the space of time to reconsider art and how to best fit it into my busy lifestyle as a stay-at-home mother. For the moment, painting seemed an impossible task, but photography appeared to be the ideal substitution. Using props that had heirloom sentimental value and creating compelling imagery was my heartfelt approach to how I began photographing my children. It began as a greater family story, within a photograph.”
Remembering the days of early motherhood, it is overwhelming to me to think of putting the energy into creating the images she did; and yet, with three young children, she speaks of a motivation and a pull toward her creativity. She identifies the need as being twofold - one that is innate, a “mood” that passes within, and the other, a desire for self-expression, inspired perhaps by “poetry, literature, mythos, or life experiences.” She summarizes that “for creatives, inspiration abides wherever we allow ourselves to be grounded.”
Albert County is a beautiful countryside, holding a variety of communities, each unique and yet the same, with a history and sense of what came before that seeps into the souls of its residents. You can see the impact of her surroundings in Danica’s art.
Danica reflects that “Environment can certainly impact the creative process. Living in an older Hillsborough home, surrounded by curated antiques and little items of inspiration, it is easy for my mind to transport to another decade, another country. I do not feel bound (an essential requirement for most creatives) yet there’s a deep need to feel connected. Albert County has a magic about it that is unique and often overlooked. The generations of families that have lived here, their stories intertwined. The earth below, keeper of the deepest secrets, yet the air whispers of memories. Family land is still worked, tide flows clockwork, sidewalks travelled, generation by generation visiting the same neighbours. Trees grow unhindered, year after year, the same patches of wildflowers bloom with pride. Riverside-Albert, in particular, is breathtaking. Every family drive is as refreshing and awe-inspiring as the first. Like a visitor, I am travelling lightly, gathering stories and mementos along the way.”
Like a visitor, but not. Danica and her family have resided in their century home in Hillsborough for closing in on 20 years. Her children make up part of the local tableau of neighborhood teens. Olivia, her oldest, just graduated Caledonia Regional High School and will be off to great adventures in the fall, as one of 24 in Canada accepted to the Coast Guard. Emily (middle) and Wesley (youngest) will continue to attend Caledonia, each with their own areas of special interest. Their lives, and from time to time the lives of their friends, have been documented and shaped by the shutter of a camera lens, and the magic in their mother’s heart.
Danica has also done many creative sessions for clients. Her fine art photography captures memories and experiences in a way that is unique and can be profoundly life changing for her subjects. Danica shared with me some of the memories of these moments, of course, vaguely enough to keep the privacy of her clients:
“I have done several creative sessions for children who have experienced the loss of a parent or sibling…to create imagery that visualized a sense of connection for the children. It is deeply personal, meaningful work for the families.”
She also shares that she does boudoir photography, photographing countless women with moving and unique stories. “Notably, there have been sessions for women both pre and post mastectomies. Many appreciate the opportunity to be photographed and documented in a dignified, beautiful, authentic, and safe space. For most, it is a radical act of self acceptance.”
Speaking of radical self-acceptance, when I ask about the accolades she’s received she almost, if not fully, blushes. “I love the idea that there are other people who resonate with my work, and I value sharing the experience of art. In that, comes opportunity.”
“I view Art as more than just a ‘project made’. To me, it is more about expression and connection. Anything that nourishes our soul becomes a creative process. Because the ‘canvas’ doesn’t matter. Whether it’s motorcycle repair, geocaching, walking the dog, working with clay, baking, or painting.”
She shares that local newspapers have featured her photographs over the years, and that she has had both solo and group exhibits in South Africa, Netherlands, Ukraine, Belgium, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Spain, Philippines and Canada. Her work has been featured in international and national magazine publications, advertisements, and she has had decade-long contribution to Vogue Italia’s PhotoVogue. “I have been a finalist, medalist, and featured in many international competitions and publications such as The Imaginarium, Shot!, Child Photo Competition, ViewBug…”
Her voice carries off.
“And more?” I ask.
“And more.” She agrees, but goes no further.
However, upon reflection, whenever I have asked specifically about her part, titled “Captured by Light”, in the three part series of “A Fervent Pull”, and what that experience was like, she immediately lights up. The expression is specific: gratitude, pleasure, honour, all mixed with the awe of the child she was, pouring over books in a library, now wrapped in all the complexities of a grown adult, with equal parts fierce and gentle love of an experienced parent. She shares the disbelief of being chosen, and the reflection of the monumental experiences that have happened since, such as the first viewing on Bell TV, then the first public screening at the Riverview Arts Centre, the deep meaning and appreciation of having her daughter Olivia’s music be included in the film (she was studying in Germany when the main recordings took place). Between the stories, I see a sense of pride emerge through the cracks, and like the light Danica so perfectly captures, she shines.
“A Fervent Pull” will be screened at Harvey Hall, 29 Mary’s Point Rd, Harvey NB, on Saturday, July 5th at 7:00 PM. Entrance fee is a full bag of grocery items or a generous monetary donation with all proceeds to benefit the Shepody Food Bank. You can also currently view “A Fervent Pull” on the Bell FIBE TV app.
1. Danica is one of those artists that is so intrinsically gifted, she is fully unaware of her uniqueness, depth of ability - her magic.
2. We want to tell everyone about her.
In the documentary, we learn so much about Danica. We see her engaged in her craft, and a story unfolds that tells of a woman who has as much need for creative expression as breathing. We are allowed in to witness how that need was breathed into existence, wrapping itself around a young family, turning daily mundane things and activities into light-filled magical moments of historical drama, or joyful whimsy, or social commentary. At the initial screening of "A Fervent Pull", Danica was always quick to shine the spotlight on others, her children (who were the initial focal point of her photography, and are often still), facing a room of accolades with an unpretentious explanation, "...it's all about capturing the light and using what you have around you."
Danica, and the familiarity that has developed between she and Colleen, makes the creating of this documentary seem as an intimate project between friends, a gift, and somewhat like having a professional come and create a family video for you. I suspect the film will age as a beloved time capsule for Danica, her partner, and their children; capturing their growth and their love together, and for each other, from a point of view expertly curated and put to music by Colleen, John, and Wes. For the rest of us however, the film also showcases an incredible commentary of everyday people with unwavering passion. It weaves a fascinating story thread through the lives of three very different individuals that is equally as engaging from an entertainment point of view as it is inspiring and motivational. Colleen writes in the synopsis of her documentary, "from underrated places often come the most intriguing people." I couldn't agree more.
When I spoke to Danica about the beginning of her creative journey there is a wistfulness in her voice, and she shares an intriguing story of a little girl who, from the time she can remember, saw the world differently. One can almost picture her as a child, long hair floating over her shoulders as her fingers turned each page in the art books she consumed.
“I fell in love with art as a child. Libraries were my hideaway, and in there, it felt like the world was at the reach of my fingertips. The art section was particularly captivating to me. I was fascinated by painters. I would study their works in detail; how light and shadow fell. How colour was present in both light and shadows; pale greens, blues and browns, and shadows rich with purples, blues, and reds. Light and shadow weren’t black, gray and white, but a symphony of colour. I studied the dance of light across a scene. Magically, it brought life to the painting.
Storytelling in imagery, whether by painting or photograph, immerses you, layer by layer. I was entranced by this process, and digested everything I could as a youth, book by book. I took a few high school art classes, falling in love with painting. I dabbled in photography in my early twenties, but it wasn’t until I was out of that baby-dazed stage of motherhood that I had the space of time to reconsider art and how to best fit it into my busy lifestyle as a stay-at-home mother. For the moment, painting seemed an impossible task, but photography appeared to be the ideal substitution. Using props that had heirloom sentimental value and creating compelling imagery was my heartfelt approach to how I began photographing my children. It began as a greater family story, within a photograph.”
Remembering the days of early motherhood, it is overwhelming to me to think of putting the energy into creating the images she did; and yet, with three young children, she speaks of a motivation and a pull toward her creativity. She identifies the need as being twofold - one that is innate, a “mood” that passes within, and the other, a desire for self-expression, inspired perhaps by “poetry, literature, mythos, or life experiences.” She summarizes that “for creatives, inspiration abides wherever we allow ourselves to be grounded.”
Albert County is a beautiful countryside, holding a variety of communities, each unique and yet the same, with a history and sense of what came before that seeps into the souls of its residents. You can see the impact of her surroundings in Danica’s art.
Danica reflects that “Environment can certainly impact the creative process. Living in an older Hillsborough home, surrounded by curated antiques and little items of inspiration, it is easy for my mind to transport to another decade, another country. I do not feel bound (an essential requirement for most creatives) yet there’s a deep need to feel connected. Albert County has a magic about it that is unique and often overlooked. The generations of families that have lived here, their stories intertwined. The earth below, keeper of the deepest secrets, yet the air whispers of memories. Family land is still worked, tide flows clockwork, sidewalks travelled, generation by generation visiting the same neighbours. Trees grow unhindered, year after year, the same patches of wildflowers bloom with pride. Riverside-Albert, in particular, is breathtaking. Every family drive is as refreshing and awe-inspiring as the first. Like a visitor, I am travelling lightly, gathering stories and mementos along the way.”
Like a visitor, but not. Danica and her family have resided in their century home in Hillsborough for closing in on 20 years. Her children make up part of the local tableau of neighborhood teens. Olivia, her oldest, just graduated Caledonia Regional High School and will be off to great adventures in the fall, as one of 24 in Canada accepted to the Coast Guard. Emily (middle) and Wesley (youngest) will continue to attend Caledonia, each with their own areas of special interest. Their lives, and from time to time the lives of their friends, have been documented and shaped by the shutter of a camera lens, and the magic in their mother’s heart.
Danica has also done many creative sessions for clients. Her fine art photography captures memories and experiences in a way that is unique and can be profoundly life changing for her subjects. Danica shared with me some of the memories of these moments, of course, vaguely enough to keep the privacy of her clients:
“I have done several creative sessions for children who have experienced the loss of a parent or sibling…to create imagery that visualized a sense of connection for the children. It is deeply personal, meaningful work for the families.”
She also shares that she does boudoir photography, photographing countless women with moving and unique stories. “Notably, there have been sessions for women both pre and post mastectomies. Many appreciate the opportunity to be photographed and documented in a dignified, beautiful, authentic, and safe space. For most, it is a radical act of self acceptance.”
Speaking of radical self-acceptance, when I ask about the accolades she’s received she almost, if not fully, blushes. “I love the idea that there are other people who resonate with my work, and I value sharing the experience of art. In that, comes opportunity.”
“I view Art as more than just a ‘project made’. To me, it is more about expression and connection. Anything that nourishes our soul becomes a creative process. Because the ‘canvas’ doesn’t matter. Whether it’s motorcycle repair, geocaching, walking the dog, working with clay, baking, or painting.”
She shares that local newspapers have featured her photographs over the years, and that she has had both solo and group exhibits in South Africa, Netherlands, Ukraine, Belgium, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Spain, Philippines and Canada. Her work has been featured in international and national magazine publications, advertisements, and she has had decade-long contribution to Vogue Italia’s PhotoVogue. “I have been a finalist, medalist, and featured in many international competitions and publications such as The Imaginarium, Shot!, Child Photo Competition, ViewBug…”
Her voice carries off.
“And more?” I ask.
“And more.” She agrees, but goes no further.
However, upon reflection, whenever I have asked specifically about her part, titled “Captured by Light”, in the three part series of “A Fervent Pull”, and what that experience was like, she immediately lights up. The expression is specific: gratitude, pleasure, honour, all mixed with the awe of the child she was, pouring over books in a library, now wrapped in all the complexities of a grown adult, with equal parts fierce and gentle love of an experienced parent. She shares the disbelief of being chosen, and the reflection of the monumental experiences that have happened since, such as the first viewing on Bell TV, then the first public screening at the Riverview Arts Centre, the deep meaning and appreciation of having her daughter Olivia’s music be included in the film (she was studying in Germany when the main recordings took place). Between the stories, I see a sense of pride emerge through the cracks, and like the light Danica so perfectly captures, she shines.
“A Fervent Pull” will be screened at Harvey Hall, 29 Mary’s Point Rd, Harvey NB, on Saturday, July 5th at 7:00 PM. Entrance fee is a full bag of grocery items or a generous monetary donation with all proceeds to benefit the Shepody Food Bank. You can also currently view “A Fervent Pull” on the Bell FIBE TV app.
Image of Danica Sherry in the early days of motherhood from www.facebook.com/danica.sherry
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