Inside the Emotional Depth of Sherri Carling’s Storytelling Through Art

Sherri Carling is a Milan-based figurative artist whose work captures the beauty of vulnerability and human connection. In this interview, she shares her journey from growing up in a creative household in New York City to discovering her passion for oil painting in Italy. She talks about how her multicultural background influences her art, her creative process, and how she handles creative blocks. Sherri also gives insight into her inspirations, her love for experimenting with different techniques, and the deeper meaning behind her work. Through her words, we learn how art is not just about painting—it’s about storytelling, emotion, and the joy of connection.

Milan-based figurative artist Sherri Carling’s work annexes the subtle inner beauty exuded by subjects when captured in safe and vulnerable moments. Born to a large, talented, multicultural family and nurtured in the artistically diverse womb of New York City, Carling devoured art and creative expression as a child. She pursued a science track in college, with a career aspiration in Medical Illustration. An avid traveller, Carling later visited Italy, where she fell deeply in love with oil painting and ultimately immigrated to Milan. There, she found an unparalleled inspiration for her artistic vision and the frame within which she explores the harmonious nuances of the soul via colour and brush strokes.

Primarily self-taught, Carling’s work focuses on warm colours reflective of the Caribbean and Tuscan hillside to encapsulate the juxtaposition of passion and strength from her Puerto Rican and Italian heritage. She references her own photography, live poses and imagination to layer larger-than-life canvases. Carling’s work has been showcased in both group and individual exhibitions in Italy and Florida. Her insatiable desire to hone her craft has led to enrollment in the Milan Academy of Art, Atelier School, where she has experimented with multimedia to diversify the medium of her expressions.

1. What inspired you to become an artist?

Creativity was evident in every aspect of our lives, thanks to my mother, who was an amazing singer, musician, artist, and teacher. She inspired me to be curious about everything and encouraged my love for art and science. However, I was completely hooked after choosing “oil painting” as an elective in college! Creating something from nothing was like magic- and made my heart sing. I did finish my science track at the University. Still, that little art course influenced my career path and inevitably pushed me to immigrate to Italy, where I happily lived and painted for over 20 years.

As a pensive child, I observed the details of everything and found joy translating them into art, freezing an emotion or mysterious characters in a sketch book.

Sherri Carling

2. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

My process has really changed over the past 5 years. It used to be completely intuitive, fast-paced, almost obsessive, and alla prima. After attending the Milan Academy of Art (an atelier school), I thankfully learned to slow down, combining both technique & intuition. I usually start with a drawing to work out any technical issues, a collage for a colour scheme or mood, and finally, the actual portrait painting in oil (preferably from a live model, finishing it from my own reference photographs). By the end of this process, I feel a solid connection with the model,…truly the lovelies part.

3. How do you handle creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?

I love the suggestions by Julia Cameron in The Artists Way. Early morning journaling (recently collaging) helps me start the day with play. Getting out to see the beauty around me, visit a museum with friends, or take a walk around Milan to admire its architecture. But mostly, I see a creative block as a need for self care or an opportunity to reconnect with “why I paint in the first place”: to connect with others and give joy. That thought alone usually helps the most.

4. What do you hope people take away from experiencing your art?

I hope they are able to look past our exteriors and realize that we are all connected.

I use a mixture of photographs, models, memories and mood swings to create intimacy in my portraits.

Sherri Carling

5. Are there any upcoming exhibitions or projects you’re particularly excited about?

Actually, there are two. I am very excited about a current project that combines both art & music. I am creating mixed media art to accompany a debut jazz album with 10 singles to be released shortly. This is such a fun opportunity: combiningthe storytelling of the songs with portraits of this talented singer and group of musicians. The brainstorming process is the most free, combining drawings, collages and photography for these pieces while listening to this amazing music. The second is a group exhibition, which will be held later this year, with some great artists in the heart of Milan.

Sherri Carling’s art is more than just painting—it’s about capturing emotions, telling stories, and making real connections. Her journey shows how following your passion can lead you to unexpected and beautiful places. Whether painting portraits, experimenting with new techniques, or blending art with music, she always seeks new ways to express herself. Her story is a reminder that creativity has no limits and that true art comes from the heart. To learn more about Sherri, visit the links below.