REBUS WORKS

These works are like illustrated journal entries, reflecting an internal—often invisible—struggle for stability and safety, both physical and emotional. Made with natural pigments, gouache, mica, and chalk pastel, the layered drawings carry a tense, fairy tale-like atmosphere. They explore the pursuit of home and belonging, often in conflict with forces that resist or deny them. This is a struggle many face, though not on equal footing—an increasingly heavy burden for younger generations.

In contrast to the tension of the figurative scenes, there are images of peace and natural beauty. These shimmering environments offer moments of rest and reflection. They point to universal needs—connection, time to grow, space to create and learn. Though often treated as privileges, these are fundamental human needs, and ones that feel increasingly at risk.

Sherry Difilippo is an artist and educator working in Raleigh, North Carolina. She earned her BFA in Art Education from Meredith College and an MFA, with a focus in drawing, from the New York Academy of Art.

She currently teaches Drawing I, Figure Drawing, and Digital Design at Wake Technical Community College. She has worked as a high school visual arts teacher, in theater, and on film and animation projects. She has also led workshops in drawing and animation.

As an artist, she has experience creating and exhibiting drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, video, and animation.