Winnipeg-based metal sculptor Pierrette Sherwood has carved out a unique artistic niche by transforming discarded farm equipment and agricultural materials into striking contemporary sculptures. Drawing from her rural upbringing on a dairy farm, Sherwood has successfully transitioned from a corporate career to become a recognized artist whose work bridges prairie heritage with modern aesthetic sensibilities.
Sherwood's artistic practice centers on her deep connection to agricultural materials and rural landscapes. "I draw most of my material from old agricultural metal because I grew up on a dairy farm and the work brings me back to my roots," she explains. The artist has developed a particular affinity for working with patina, rust, weather-worn textures, and layered tones that speak to the passage of time and the beauty found in decay. She finds special satisfaction in the reactions of farmers who recognize old implement parts being given new life through her artistic vision.
While her work attracts collectors from urban centers, Sherwood deliberately seeks out rural venues for her exhibitions. "I certainly do have lots of people from urban centers who are attracted to my art, but I do have a soft spot for agricultural communities," she notes. This preference led her to select Portage la Prairie for her current exhibition, explaining, "The folks here certainly know what that's all about, so I'm happy to be here."
Her current show features more than thirty pieces, including an ambitious feature wall she describes as "a forest scene crafted from old hand-saws." The installation includes "a forest scene that I kind of am reproducing on one feature wall – above that, some larger kind of birds of prey – all made of up-cycled, recycled old saws." These pieces are strategically priced to be accessible to buyers during the Christmas season, demonstrating her understanding of both artistic and commercial considerations.
Sherwood's recent work shows a bold evolution toward larger-scale sculptures and expanded use of color. "I've gone really big on some of them – because I just find that that has a stronger visual impact – I'm exploring colors more – by that I mean rustic colors for the most part," she explains. Her process involves deconstructing materials like old car hoods with attractive patinas, then "integrated some colors into some kind of landscape scenes – there are various layers – highlighting the rust – as my focal points mostly, but with some nice color back-drops."
The artist's journey into metalworking began in 2007 when she enrolled in a welding course at Red River College. "I took my welding course back in 2007 at Red River College with the very specific intent to do a large dimensional sculpture made of up-cycled old wheels from the farm," she recalls. However, her artistic roots trace back much further to age eleven, when she discovered her passion for "pencil, ink, line work and contrast" through a Christmas art kit filled with shadowing exercises.
Before fully committing to her artistic career, Sherwood worked in tourism and public service in Ottawa and Montreal. Federal government cutbacks in 2012 provided what she describes as "an opportune moment to pivot." Having already completed her welding training, she decided to take the leap into full-time artmaking. "I had already taken my welding course – I thought, oh, you know, why not? This is the time. So I ventured out – for three years I had a little shop, a little boutique in St. Anne, and I did art in vintage, my own art and other people's art too – and that still kind of helps to sustain my work today."
Sherwood remains deeply grateful for the support she has received throughout her artistic journey. "I still have people who follow me and support me, even from those days, from the very beginning – I feel pretty privileged – It's been a long time coming. I've put a lot of work into it too – it doesn't happen by itself, but it's really a joy for me to do what I love," she reflects.
Looking forward, the artist is committed to continuous growth and artistic challenge. "I think if you're starting to get too comfortable as an artist, then maybe you're not pushing yourself enough," she states. With more projects and plans than time allows, Sherwood continues to expand her artistic boundaries while maintaining her connection to rural Manitoba's agricultural heritage. Her work represents a distinctive bridge between the region's farming past and its artistic future, transforming discarded materials into contemporary art that speaks to both local identity and universal themes of renewal and transformation.
