Sheila Patterson: Irmo’s Featured Artist

The Town of Irmo is proud to announce Sheila Patterson, a talented Filipina artist based in Irmo, South Carolina, as our Artist of the Quarter! Sheila is celebrated for her captivating and unique work, especially her leaf artistry, which has earned her recognition both locally and internationally.

Sheila is a leaf and paper artist who creates intricate paper portraits and uses a distinctive medium: fossilized cacao leaves. Her art explores vibrant themes of people, music, lifestyle, and landscapes, bringing depth and detail to each piece.

Sheila’s Artistic Journey

Sheila’s artistic journey began in 2011 when she discovered her ability to create art from everyday materials. It started with helping her son on an origami school project, which evolved into crafting portraits from layered paper. A few years later, she ventured into leaf artistry, making vivid pieces from fossilized cacao leaves. She began working with this innovative medium in 2020 and holds the distinction of being the first artist in the Philippines to use fossilized cacao leaves as an artistic medium.

Inspiration and Themes

When asked about her inspiration, Sheila shared, “My art is inspired by the deep connection between nature, culture, and human emotion. Flora and fauna captivate me with their intricate beauty and resilience, while landscapes provide a sense of place, grounding my work in the natural world. Culture—both traditional and contemporary—adds a rich narrative layer. Together, these elements help me express the harmony and tension between the environment and human experience.”

Her collection showcases rich cultural diversity, exploring themes such as cultural diversity, landscapes, flora and fauna, and historical narratives.

Unique Artistic Process and Availability

Sheila carves intricate designs into fossilized cacao leaves and seals them with resin to ensure their longevity. Her art is available in various sizes, from 6×8 inches up to 18×24 inches and larger.

You can view Sheila’s artwork in the front lobby of Irmo Town Hall, located at 7300 Woodrow St.

International Recognition and Local Roots

Sheila’s talent has taken her artwork across the Philippines, where she created commissioned pieces for several foreign embassies. Her art has also been commissioned by clients in Europe, Japan, the USA, and the UK, and featured in numerous exhibitions throughout the Philippines.

She recently participated in the Holiday Art Show 2024 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, hosted by the Cheyenne Artist Guild, a place close to her heart as her husband was born and raised there. Having moved to South Carolina due to her husband’s job, Sheila is proud to call Irmo her new home.

Connect with Sheila

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Sheila enjoys cooking and writing poetry. You can connect with her and explore her creations on social media: