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About Cynthia
My Background
My Background
My Background
For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed creating. I took a few art classes in school, but I don’t recall ever considering going to ‘art’ school. Instead, I graduated with a degree in Landscape Architecture – which is a very practical art in my mind, but I didn't have much patience for the technical aspects of the discipline. As a st
For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed creating. I took a few art classes in school, but I don’t recall ever considering going to ‘art’ school. Instead, I graduated with a degree in Landscape Architecture – which is a very practical art in my mind, but I didn't have much patience for the technical aspects of the discipline. As a student back in the late 80’s, early 90’s, we were hand drafting and it drove me nuts. We were expected to be as precise with line width and geometry as computers are today. It felt so ridiculous and suffocating, I eventually came to the realization that rigid structure just sucks the life right out of me, that my spirit requires a more fluid approach to things.
During my 5th and final year of college, I did a self-study semester overseas. I chose to study the work of Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona, Spain with a special emphasis on Park Guell. It was through that study that I fell in love with his work and what Landscape Architecture could be. A highly expressive art form that could also be highly functional and environmentally friendly. To be surrounded by structures designed by Gaudi is to feel like you are being held in the loving arms of mother nature herself. He was deeply influenced by nature, and I fell in love with his work and the work of the master craftsmen that brought his visions life.
It was a pivotal time in my studies. In a sense, you could say it was the most inspiring and depressing time because I came to the realization that, that kind of work would never be possible in the USA. There were far too many building and zoning regulations; not to mention the amount of time and money dedicated to the projects. That was a big ‘no go’ in our land of the fast and furious. Gaudi’s method of design and building was a thing of the past it seemed to me.
I never became a Landscape Architect. My heart just wasn’t in it.
Around age 35, I decided to start painting. I had never painted before, but I needed a creative outlet. I decided against taking a class because I did not want my first introduction to be controlled. I was afraid that if I started in a specific style and technique that I might fail to realize my own and I wanted to use my imagination!
I painted straight from my imagination at the start. I didn’t look at photos or any other reference. In a sense, I guess you could say I wanted the ‘virgin or child’ experience. A pure creative experience. I wanted to see how my spirit would choose to express itself without direction.
The process was not easy for me as I didn’t understand my tools in the least, but I loved the process anyway. Sometimes, I would work off a doodle done during a lunch break at work. Just as often, I put paint to canvas with no preconceived vision at all. That is my favorite way to paint, without a plan. I love a good surprise. I love to feel like I am co-creating with something beyond my control. A painting takes on a life of its own as things progress and it is my joy to bring that life into focus.
From a technical standpoint, I would say my skills remain somewhat crude and I like that aspect of my work. I feel that it gives more space for happy accidents. Did I mention that I love surprises. I also prefer to allow my skills to grow more organically – to be intimately involved in the process of discovery. I am not seeking an experience in precision or perfection when I create. I am seeking an experience in expansion and expression. Expression more from the heart than the mind.
In 2008, I bought a little farmette in Watsonville, California very close to the beach. If you have ever lived near a beach, you probably know that treasures abound….stone, bone, feather, shell and driftwood present themselves boldly against the grains of sand. Certain pieces call to me and I give them a lift to my home. I ask them what they would like to be and eventually I get an answer. These objects have very special energy, and they inspire me to create tools that can be used for healing. Many of the objects I co-create with nature can be used to reduce anxiety or resolve conflicts in balanced and restorative ways. I find this more recent aspect to my work so rewarding. What could be better than creating art that not only heals my spirit but also inspires others to do the same? To me this the most beautiful expression of my art so far.
My Influence
My Background
My Background
Born is South Dakota and raised like a rolling stone.
Having moved twelve times by age 18, I learned to welcome change and the unknown from a very young age. And while my home life today is very stable, I still love traveling to places unknown because it awakens my senses and brings me into a deeper level of presence. This love of change
Born is South Dakota and raised like a rolling stone.
Having moved twelve times by age 18, I learned to welcome change and the unknown from a very young age. And while my home life today is very stable, I still love traveling to places unknown because it awakens my senses and brings me into a deeper level of presence. This love of change and the unknown greatly influences my approach to artist expression. I usually start a piece without a vision or expectation and will intentionally create unknown territories on canvas or in clay just so I can explore.
My subject matter is primarily influenced by my love for nature and my spiritual journey. Having moved so frequently at a young age, I would often turn to nature for companionship and fun. Mother Nature always welcomed me with open arms while offering the most fantastic adventures and gifts! With her there was no need for awkward introductions, insecurity, or words. All I had to do was show up and be open to the experience.
My spiritual journey began after my father died in a car accident when I was only 29 years old. Before the accident, my introduction to spirituality was minimal but as The Fates would have it - I found myself in the self-help section of a bookstore looking for something to help with my grieving process and came home with a book written by Lynn V. Andrews.
The teachings of Lynn Andrews, her classes and tools, opened me in beautiful ways that I cherish and can hardly imagine being without today. Her influence is evident in the Art Classes and Natures Wisdom Classes that I teach and in my original artwork.
My Vision
My Background
My Vision
We are born like all beings of something quite like ourselves.
We are transformed like all beings from what is inside and out.
We birth, while being birthed
eat, while being eaten
dance, while being danced
And sing, while being sung
We are creation, creating while being created in an ever-expanding universe.
Like all there is and will ever be.
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We are born like all beings of something quite like ourselves.
We are transformed like all beings from what is inside and out.
We birth, while being birthed
eat, while being eaten
dance, while being danced
And sing, while being sung
We are creation, creating while being created in an ever-expanding universe.
Like all there is and will ever be.
The best possible outcome of this creative journey I find myself living would include - helping others connect with their own innate wisdom and that of nature.
My latest original artwork is the catalyst collection - a series of tools designed to help people do just that - connect with their own innate wisdom. Four separate tools are available - each with their own purpose and suggested guidelines for use. I also offer 'art classes' where people create their own tools to facilitate personal growth. Classes where people learn how to connect with natures wisdom for inspiration, healing and growth are also available.
I look forward to seeing what else comes forward.