About the Artist
Hi, I’m Sherry Polley, and I specialize in whimsical abstraction made from pieces of adhesive vinyl. My artwork is energetic, joyful, and bursting with playful curiosity.
I hold both an MFA and BFA from Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis. My art has been shown in solo exhibitions such as Autistic Joy at Artlink Gallery and In-Vision at the Indianapolis International Airport. My work has been in numerous group exhibitions and printed as largescale, public murals.
As an autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent artist, my work is deeply informed by the way I experience the world. Creating art is where I feel most capable and alive. In a world that often misunderstands invisible disabilities, my practice is one of both personal empowerment and public communication.
About the Medium: Vinyl on Acrylic
My medium is adhesive vinyl assembled onto acrylic panels (plexiglass). Each artwork begins as a drawing composed of fluid, intuitive lines. I digitize these drawings, develop playful iterations, and finalize the designs on my computer. I then use these files to cut my material with machines. Finally, I prepare the vinyl pieces and lay each shape by hand with high precision.
These labor-intensive methods allow me to bring together order and imagination. The structure and repetition speak to the kind of predictability I crave, while the quirky forms and bold colors reflect the freedom I need. The result is an object that’s polished and meticulous - but still looks like it’s dancing.
Themes: Sensory Richness, Color, and Neurodivergence
As a neurodivergent person, I experience the world with heightened sensitivity. I’m drawn to vivid colors, sparkles, textures and patterns that excite or soothe me. These sensory fascinations become compositional tools in my artwork. Repetition in my process demonstrates hyper-focus, layered complexity speaks to cognitive overload, and my bold color palette reflects emotional intensity.
Thematically, my work lives in the space between the seen and unseen - just like neurodivergence. It doesn’t declare its meaning immediately, but asks you to look longer, feel more, and open yourself to the unexpected. My art is not only an expression of myself, but an invitation to others to embrace neurodiversity, joy, and the richness of their own individuality.