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Artist Profile - Cyndi Lavin

Inspiration from a Talented Artist

In the Shadow
Mixture of physical and digital collage

An Artist’s Life

I’d like to introduce you to my friend, mixed media artist Cyndi Lavin. Take a few moments to peek into the world of another crafter/artist. I think you’ll find some inspiration and ideas to help you grow in your art.

How do you describe your work?

I enjoy mixing materials together, often ones that don't seem to go together at first, to make both wearable and non-wearable art. My wearables almost always have some form of beadwork in the mix. My favorite non-wearables involve both physical and digital components.

What is your creative process like?

There are three things that I find very helpful: a clean table, access to lots of stuff to mess it up, and time. Of these three, time is probably the most important.

I am able to work quickly when a deadline demands it, but the results are only going to be practice pieces.

To make my best pieces, it takes time for the ideas to percolate and meld.

Orinoco Flow (necklace)
Bead embroidery

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?

Although I've taken some short classes here and there, especially when I can study with an artist I respect, for the most part I'm self-taught.

I am very grateful to all the fabulous folks who have written books detailing the techniques that I use most: different beadwork stitches, wirework, Photoshop basics, acrylic paint techniques, and the like. Once you know how to do the basics, I think it's important to develop your own style in putting them together.

There are some things that I think are best learned in a classroom. I'm glad that I took a weekend class in lampworking, for example.

Yes, I could have figured it out eventually from the books that are available, but I was able to avoid a lot of potentially dangerous mistakes by investing in a class.

Windows
Digital montage

Is there a tool or material that you can't imagine living without?

Photoshop, beads, and acrylics.

What inspires you to create?

We're all designed to be creative beings.

I believe that all of us create because our Creator made us in His own image, and He is creative.

Some people don't think that they are creative, but I believe that's because they haven't found the right medium yet, or the right way of looking at creativity. Creativity is a lot broader than some of us realize.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?

Find what you do best, what makes your heart burn within you, and perfect it. Then move on and add more things into the mix.

Don't ever stop exploring and expanding your artwork.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?

Cooking. I'm a wicked good cook and find it very relaxing. And fattening too, unfortunately :-)

Mixed media art quilt

See more of Cyndi’s work and get to know her better at Mixed Media Artist and Beadings Arts

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