Sheri Bakes was born in 1971 and grew up in Nanaimo, BC. At age 17, she began exhibiting in city arts council group and solo exhibitions. At the age of 18, she received a Provincial Scholarship for the Arts and went on to study and win numerous awards in painting, drawing, photography and sculpture at the Vancouver Island University. In 1998, Sheri graduated with a BFA from the Emily Carr University in Vancouver.

The base of her work is found in the Hebrew language phrase, ruach ha-kodesh (Hebrew: "holy spirit" also transliterated ruah ha-qodesh). Specifically, this work stems from Ruach in it's literal translation: spirit, breath or wind, coupled with atmospheric pressure systems that stir vulnerable matter in it's living of life.

Layers of paint are built up within a context of loosely rendered, wind swept landscape. Poetic device is often used within titles, affirming relationships between physically painted grounds and the romantic ideas which inform them.

Ultimately, these works are intended to function as a resting place for the mind. To soothe, refresh, and nourish the brain, they are intentionally composed in melodic rhythm and patterns that encourage the mind to actively rest in motion.

"Brooding wind-swept scenes highlight tensions not only between the sky and land, but also between the physical landscape and the world of the mind." ~Kevin Chong from the Globe & Mail.