Cynthia Brody
Cactus Girl, Mixed media
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? I think I began drawing in middle school. I mostly drew fashions back then.
When did art become a pursuit? At age 24, after not getting into art college, I began working seriously on my mixed media work.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I took 13 classes in basics. My style of combining photo imagery with paint is self taught.
How did you first become involved with CAA? Shortly after moving to MA 5 years ago I became an artist member.
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? I participate in Lexington Open Studios yearly and have shown several times in local non-profit art spaces including my current exhibit at Belmont Gallery of Art.
Aphrodite at Play, Mixed media
What role do you think the artist plays in society? We are the eyes and conscience of the world.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I’ve worked in photo collage combined with acrylic paint for over 40 years. I stick with it because it is complex and fun as I choose images that are unrelated to each other, combining them to create something that appears recognizable.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? Muprocess has changed in recent years regarding how I choose and combine collage elements. Early on I found subjects in antique stores and other imagery in old National Geographics. Then I spent days moving pieces around before gluing and then painting. Since the advent of the Ipad I most often create a draft version digitally, altering and manipulating images, and then print out parts to use with the painting following. The result is a surreal image.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? Women, women, women. There’s no escaping it, I enjoy creating women using faces from old photos and giving them a new life. Their bodies are often made up of unrelated images from Nature, as are the surroundings. The interplay of real and constructed creates a tension that I love.
Then, Now and Always, Mixed media
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? Aphrodite at Play was certainly a big undertaking. It has all kinds of hidden surprises ( her skirt is made from photos of the steps of Manchu Picchu)
What is one of your artistic goals? To keep making art until my last days. To continue sharing my work with others through exhibits and sales. But mostly to keep improving and exploring.
What’s your favorite place to see art? The Met in NY was my favorite years ago. Wherever I can find interesting, different, inspiring work to see.
What living artists are you inspired by? Good question. I’m mostly inspired by those no longer with us like Klimt.
Do you own any art by other artists? Yes, I have some sculpture and stained glass. I have an appreciation for what I don’t know how to create.
See More Cynthia!
Website: cynthiabrodyart.com
Instagram: Cynthia Brody
Facebook: Cynthia Brody Mixed Media Art