Sheneen Farrel is a popular guest artist at the White Rabbit Fine Art Gallery. She works with polymer clay to create items that bring others joy. It is my honor to feature Sheneen for our Artist Spotlight website blog. Sheneen is a delight and her story is a special one.
Sheneen credits her Mom, who taught her daughter to love creating. She learned sewing, crochet, and other crafts. But, Sheneen discovered polymer clay in 2022. Faced with the sudden death of her beloved spouse, Sheneen found sculpting small treasures was therapeutic and brought her joy at a time in her life when she needed it most. Her husband was artistic and, when faced with this loss, she turned to something familiar …. Art. Although she didn’t realize it back then, Sheneen’s creative talents would not only offer her solace but would, in time, become a source of steady income to secure the future for herself and her son, Porter.
She started teaching herself how to create colorful earrings, necklaces and other items, at first for her own pleasure and for gifts. But she discovered something else in the process. Whenever she wore something she had made others would not only admire the item but would ask her if she would make jewelry for them too.
Sheneen discovered there was seemingly no end to the themes her friends requested. There were earrings that looked like tiny books, deviled eggs, jars of Dukes mayonnaise and countless others, including her most requested item to date, Little Debbie Cakes. With each new request, Sheneen taught herself the techniques she needed to produce these whimsical treasures. She tells me it was trial and error.
Today, Sheneen enjoys a thriving business making and selling polymer clay jewelry. An activity that started as therapy; creating for her friends and co-workers has indeed become larger than life. Sheneen admits she works all the time. But she loves the process. And when you listen to her talk about the items she creates, her enthusiasm and excitement is contagious. When asked what brings her joy these days, she replies, without a doubt …. She has fun making her jewelry and framed objects and hopes that her fans and customers feel the same when they see them.
Sheneen’s biggest motivator in her life story has been her son, Porter. She teaches him about the power of creativity and the techniques required to formulate and start a business of his own. He’s starting on a small scale. He already realizes monetary rewards for his ideas and steps he takes to help in the family business. After-all, he is a young boy however, thanks to his mom, there is no doubt he is also a future entrepreneur.
Visit Sheneen Farrel in many open air markets, from Saluda to Greer and beyond. Recently Ms. Farrel is set up in the West-side Augusta Market in Greenville and of course, our favorite … The White Rabbit Fine Art Gallery in Travelers Rest.
