Sherman Khan for Cottage Hill Magazine, November 2025
“COLOR, CHAOS AND CONNECTION”
Elmhurst artist Sherman Khan has turned a creative passion into a growing career
By Libby Hoppe | Photography by Cheryl Brown
Sherman Khan’s path to becoming an abstract artist didn’t follow a straight line. A self-taught painter, he grew up and finished school in The Philippines, and moved to Elmhurst with his family after his youngest sister was born. “I had always enjoyed art when I was young, but didn’t always have the time for it,” Khan said.
After moving to the United States, he had more access to resources to pursue art, but it still wasn’t his main focus. Then, in 2020, Khan found himself in a relatable situation: he suddenly had unexpected downtime due to the COVID pandemic. And in a way, the pandemic helped launch his artistic career.
“I had a lot of free time that I took advantage of to just dive in, so I bought some paint, brushes, a canvas and let my imagination flow,” said Khan, 31. “It was then I realized how much peace and nostalgia it gave me. I wanted to share that feeling with anyone who desired to find it.”
He started creating and selling some of his work online, but everything changed when a friend introduced him to Christine Gebauer, the founder and curator of Celestial Art Curation Gallery. Gebauer curates contemporary art from talented, local up-and-coming artists for clients looking for original fine art. She has a virtual gallery online and features the same artists in her fine art gallery in Hinsdale.
The introduction to Gebauer proved transformative for Khan, as she ultimately decided to carry his work at her gallery. “My dream of being in a gallery came true,” Khan said. “Celestial Art Curation essentially paved the way for my artistic journey.”
Khan’s work has been featured in British Vogue magazine, which described him as an abstract artist who “creates powerful compositions that express human emotion and connection with his signature gestural markings and fearless use of color.” High praise, though Khan has a slightly different definition of his art.
“I would describe my style as chaotic,” he said. “No singular stroke or scribble is definitive.”
“That’s what I love most about abstract art: you don’t just see a painting, but rather something that makes you feel, something that makes you imagine. And that, to me, is powerful.”
Khan predominantly works with acrylic paints and oil sticks, but he has experimented with charcoal a few times as well.
“My paintings always start with a feeling and the color palette to match it,” he said. “It’s hard to label a step-by-step process, but I really just let the brush do the talking. I try to focus on making sure the paint and oil sticks blend or maneuver across the canvas the way I want them to. Sometimes, it doesn’t turn out how I pictured it, but I can always just start over.”
Khan creates pieces based on his own personal inspiration, but also works directly with clients on commissioned pieces. “When painting for myself, I can do whatever I want,” he said.
“But for a commissioned piece, I try my best to truly hear what the client envisions, while using the same process I would for my own paintings by directing my emotions onto canvas. Every painting I create will always be made with intention, and not just trying to come up with what I think the client would want.”
His works, with their signature markings and bright colors, can be spotted in at least 20 homes in Elmhurst, and more out of state too.
Elmhurst has been one of the consistent parts of his journey, having called this place home since he moved to the United States. He feels anchored here, and said it has always been engaging and welcoming. “Elmhurst is like its own little ecosystem that echoes connection,” Khan said. “It’s not only a place to find yourself, but to find a community you can rely on.”
He loves to support local restaurants and small businesses (his personal favorite being York Theater), and he and his wife look forward to raising their family here. They will welcome their first child next year.
Turning a creative passion into a sustainable career isn’t easy, yet Khan has proven it can be done. “I’m proud that I never suppressed my creative journey, despite what other people may think, or even my own self-doubt at times,” he said.
Looking ahead, he says his dream project would be working on an abstract mural in Elmhurst or a neighboring community, for people around the world to be able to see and enjoy his art.
“I believe everyone should have access to art,” Khan said, “and all it has to offer.”
To learn more about Khan, visit shermankhan.com or celestialartcuration.com. You can also e-mail him at shermankhanart@gmail.com.
