Rising Stars: Meet Sherri Schultz of Depot Town, Ypsilanti

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherri Schultz.

Hi Sherri, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up camping and gardening, and I love the outdoors. During the lockdown, I became super fascinated with all the different kinds of moss I was finding in the neighborhood and on nearby trails (there are 27,000 confirmed species!). I began wondering how to bring them inside as decor (but without the creepy crawlers!). After some research and experimentation, I learned about moss’s sustainability and regeneration rate. I also figured out how to dry and preserve it. I set to work on this new passion that combined my love of nature, the juxtaposition of growth and decay, creating art out of things not intended for that purpose, and all things mini. I scoured the woods and shores of our third coast state for other found bits (mycelium, lichen, bark, and driftwood), nestled them into the moss, and that’s how m o s s e d + f o u n d was created.

Owning a shop (Brick & Mortar Modern General Store) allows me first to display any of my artwork to the public to gauge a response. The response has been phenomenal, and here we are! I’m so glad I figured out how to bring these bits of nature inside, where they can be enjoyed year-round. Because I preserve everything, my work doesn’t need water or sunlight, which translates to zero maintenance! I’ve been making giant pieces for customers, but I dream of going big in a public space.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
It’s always hard putting yourself out there. I believe that when you love what you do and can speak passionately about your art and why you are drawn to it, people start to “get it.” So many of my previous endeavors ran into some roadblock, more often than not, stemming from my lack of computer knowledge and graphic design skills. My transition into this body of work is unexpectedly freeing. By stripping away the struggle and stress of “how to, ” I have returned to my roots. (*Pun intended. I love wordplay. Hence m o s s e d + f o u n d.) 😂

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a founder and organizer of DIYpsi, a Southeast Michigan indie art fair that takes place every summer and holiday season, I understand the importance of celebrating and showcasing local artists. DIYpsi had its 10th anniversary right before the pandemic. When my husband and I decided to take a leap of faith and opened Brick & Mortar Modern General Store in Depot Town in Ypsilanti, it was an extension of that belief. The store allows us to represent local artists all year long. My husband specializes in hand-crafted custom framing, which has been a great success, even further highlighting the work of other artists. Additionally, it allows me to customize my job to any size or abstract shape customers desire.

In terms of m o s s e d + f o u n d, I dry and preserve everything I use, so there’s no maintenance required. Most “live walls” are living plants that need much maintenance. Often, entire irrigation systems- are built behind the walls! At that point, a staff or a LOT of money is necessary. I want my work to be accessible to everyone, no matter your budget (or gardening skills)!

It never ceases to amaze me that my “work” coincides with what I most enjoy doing when not working! I get to explore the trails and forests of wherever I may be. The most exciting part for me is that everything changes throughout the seasons. I am perpetually fascinated by some pod I picked off a dead plant in the middle of winter, only to learn in the spring or summer that the plant was an iris or trumpet vine. I’m such a dork that I’ve even made a list of where I find all of these treasures of nature so that I can harvest again next year while also figuring out what it is when it’s thriving. Because I enjoy drying flowers and interesting foliage as well, it’s entirely possible and quite probable that I will be working with dried bits of the same plant, collected or “found” at different times. Complete transparency: so much is found while walking our dog, Dave.

Witnessing and collecting evidence of nature changing through the seasons helps me slow down to appreciate all the little moments. I capture the structure and form of these plants and other natural bits (mushrooms, bark, lichen) at that particular point in their life cycle. Therefore, no two pieces are the same. Each composition is its own snapshot of captured nature in its various forms.

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Allow yourself to take the time to learn and study new things. As creative people, sometimes we feel boxed into what we’ve been doing or making. Before this past year’s positive response to m o s s e d + f o u n d, I had decided I wanted to learn to weave. I ordered a bunch of really cool yarns and rope and was excited to dive into a new hobby. Then I started being invited to participate in the gallery and art shows and had to focus solely on my moss work. I joke that all the great weaving supplies I was so excited about give me dirty looks whenever I walk into my studio and start another moss piece. It is important to remind yourself to be continuously inspired to try new things as they all build upon each other. Allow your creativity to take control rather than control your creativity, and when you find yourself achieving a form of success, don’t stop yourself from having new ideas. Success is a culmination of everything you do.

Pricing:

• Ornaments (which double as magnets or desk decor) the rest of the year $18
• Wall pieces $25+ (usually .50 cents/sq inch plus frame)
• Installations based on individual project

Contact Info:

• Website:instagram.com/mossed.and.found
• Instagram: instagram.com/brickandmortarypsi
• Facebook: @brickandmortarypsi
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brick-and-mortar-modern-general-store-ypsilanti