About the Artist
Hi, I’m Sherry Polley. I specialize in whimsical abstraction made from pieces of adhesive vinyl. My artwork is energetic, joyful, and bursting with playful curiosity.
I hold an MFA from Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis. My work has been featured in solo exhibitions at Artlink Gallery and the Indianapolis International Airport. It has been shown in numerous group exhibitions and printed as public murals.
As an autistic, ADHD, and bipolar 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 advocacy for appreciation of the neurodivergent community.
Themes: Sensory Richness, Color, and Neurodivergence
As a neurodivergent person (having a brain type that differs from the majority), I experience the world with heightened sensitivity. I’m drawn to vivid colors, sparkling 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 - all hallmarks of neurodivergent perception.
Thematically, my work gives visual form to invisible neurodivergent experiences. It doesn’t declare its meaning directly, 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.