In this episode of House of Folk Art, Matt Ledbetter sits down with Cher Shaffer, a self-taught folk artist with a career spanning over 55 years. Raised in Georgia with Cherokee and Melungeon heritage, Cher’s work is deeply rooted in storytelling, tradition, and an unshakable urge to create.
From visionary paintings that reveal themselves on the canvas to hand-sculpted dolls, pit-fired pottery, and face jugs, Cher’s art is a blend of heritage, instinct, and raw emotion. Her work has been collected by museums, celebrities, and folk art enthusiasts across the country. In this episode, she shares her artistic philosophy, early influences, and the moment that changed everything—a near-death experience in 1985 that transformed the way she paints.
Whether you’re an artist, collector, or just someone who loves a great story, this episode is a must-watch.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: Meet Cher Shaffer
02:30 - The Smallest Handmade Basket Ever Seen
06:15 - Folk Art, Heritage, and Storytelling
10:40 - A Near-Death Experience and the Birth of Visionary Painting
14:20 - The Role of Instinct in Creating Art
18:30 - Pit-Firing Pottery: Learning from Pueblo Masters
22:00 - Face Jugs and the African American Burial Tradition
26:40 - “The Urge to Create”: Advice for Young Artists
30:15 - Final Thoughts: Why Folk Art Matters
The Smallest Basket and the Beauty of Folk Craft
The conversation begins with a miniature handwoven basket—so small that it fits on a fingertip. As a self-described “basket aficionado,” Matt is fascinated by its craftsmanship, leading to a discussion on the importance of handmade objects in folk traditions. Cher explains that while she didn’t make this particular basket, she often incorporates found objects into her art, adding layers of history to each piece.
The Near-Death Experience That Changed Everything
In 1985, Cher’s heart stopped for a full minute. When she recovered, something had changed. Instead of planning her paintings, images and shapes started appearing on the canvas before she even touched her brush. This intuitive approach became her signature visionary painting style—a deeply personal and spiritual form of expression.
Despite pushback from dealers who wanted her to stick to more traditional subjects, Cher refused to compromise. She followed her instincts, a choice that defined her as an artist.
The Lost Art of Pit-Firing Pottery
Unlike kiln-fired ceramics, pit-firing is a process that dates back thousands of years.
🔥 How it works:
Pieces are placed in an open fire instead of a kiln
Damp grass and controlled smoke create deep black finishes
The process takes 6–7 hours, followed by overnight cooling
The next morning, it’s like digging for buried treasure
Cher’s work bridges the gap between Native American pottery traditions and Southern folk art, making each piece both historically significant and uniquely her own.
Face Jugs, Burial Traditions, and Folk Pottery
Face jugs are one of the most iconic forms of Southern folk pottery, but their origins trace back to African American grave markers. These expressive, hand-sculpted vessels were meant to protect the dead and ward off evil spirits.
Cher recalls seeing her first wagon-load of face jugs at a Georgia festival—a sight that left a lasting impression. Though she never considered herself a potter, she was drawn to their raw energy, leading her to experiment with the form in her own work.
The Urge to Create: Advice for Aspiring Artists
Cher believes that true artists don’t choose to create—they are called to it. Her advice for those who want to start?
Grab a blank canvas and make seven strokes
Step back and see what emerges—the image will reveal itself
Follow the painting rather than forcing an idea
Never copy another artist—find your own voice
This intuitive, fearless approach to creativity is what has kept Cher painting every day for over five decades.
Final Thoughts: Why Folk Art Matters
Folk art isn’t just about decoration—it’s about storytelling, heritage, and human connection. Cher’s work is a testament to the power of handmade traditions in an increasingly digital world.
If you love self-taught artists, folk pottery, and the raw beauty of handmade art, you won’t want to miss this episode.
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