Cheri Blum was a talented artist who created beautiful floral and nature motifs on painted cracked linen backgrounds. Her work was widely admired and licensed by many home furnishings companies, such as Croscill Home, Mohawk Home, Avanti, and Wild Apple Graphics. However, her life was cut short at the age of 34, when she died suddenly at her home in Georgetown, Maryland, on November 4, 2003. The cause of her death was not disclosed to the public.
A Passion for Art
Blum was born on September 24, 1969, in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the daughter of Joseph and Joanne Novotny Blum. She graduated from St. Mark’s High School in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1987. She had a passion for art since childhood and pursued her dream of becoming an artist by enrolling in the Fine Arts Program at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She later transferred to the University of Delaware, where she graduated in 1991.
A Successful Career
Blum started her career as a freelance artist and illustrator. She developed her signature style of painting realistic flowers and plants on textured backgrounds that resembled aged linen or parchment. She was inspired by the works of old masters, such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Chardin. She also admired the paintings of Charles-François Daubigny, a French impressionist who had a large garden that Blum visited and painted in 1890.
Blum’s work caught the attention of Wild Apple Graphics, a fine art publisher and licensing company based in Woodstock, Vermont. Wild Apple published Blum’s art since 1996 and licensed her work since 1999. Blum’s paintings were reproduced on various home products, such as bedding, rugs, towels, pillows, throws, mats, and wall art. Her work was popular among consumers who appreciated her elegant and romantic style.
Blum had a total of 40 licensees in different categories and markets. Some of her notable home textiles licensees were Croscill Home, Mohawk Home, Avanti, Hedaya Home Fashions, The Rug Market, and Tweel Home Furnishings. Her work was also featured in magazines, such as Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, and Romantic Homes.
A Sudden Loss
Blum’s life seemed to be full of success and happiness. She lived in a beautiful home by the Sassafras River in Georgetown, Maryland. She had a loving family and many friends who supported her. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her pets.
However, on November 4, 2003, Blum died unexpectedly at her home. The news of her death shocked and saddened her fans, colleagues, licensees, and loved ones. The cause of her death was not revealed to the media or the public. Some speculated that she might have suffered from a medical condition or an accident. Others wondered if she might have taken her own life due to personal or professional reasons.
Wild Apple Graphics issued a statement expressing their grief and condolences over Blum’s death. They said that Blum was “an important part of our company’s success and a cherished member of the Wild Apple family”. They also said that they would “miss her greatly”.
Blum’s funeral was held on November 10 at Corpus Christi Church in Elsmere, Delaware. She was buried at All Saints Cemetery in Wilmington. She is survived by her parents; three brothers and a sister-in-law; two nephews; a niece; and extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, Wild Apple asked that donations be sent to Cheri Blum Memorial Scholarship Fund at St. Mark’s High School.
A Lasting Legacy
Blum’s death left a void in the art world and the home furnishings industry. Her work was admired for its beauty, grace, and sophistication. Her paintings captured the essence of nature and brought joy to many people.
Blum’s work continues to be available through Wild Apple Graphics and other licensees. Her paintings are also displayed in galleries and museums around the world. Her fans can still enjoy her art and remember her legacy.
Blum once said that “painting is just another way of keeping a diary”. Through her paintings, she shared her vision and emotions with the world. She left behind a rich collection of art that will inspire generations to come.
