Sharela May Bonfield

Teaches at Classeteria

Sharela May Bonfield (b. 1988, Kingston, Jamaica) uses fiber art to explore the ambiguities of language, popular culture and race. Bonfield is intrigued with the intimacy of fabric and the cultural roles it plays. Fiber art was rooted in Bonfield from the early age of five when she began constructing dolls and garments using hand and machine stitching. 

A major contributor in Bonfield’s relationship with textiles is her grandmother, Muriel Louise Bonfield, who owned a garment shop in Kingston, Jamaica before relocating her family to the United States. With Muriel’s encouragement and training Bonfield was able to develop her skills. Bonfield continued her development by attending the Maryland Institute College of Art. 

Since moving to Brooklyn, New York, Bonfield has shown at galleries across the country and has work in the permanent collection of the Fortune Society.