We were lucky to catch up with Cylene Rainville recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cylene, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

As an artist and an art therapist, I personally know the value of creativity. When I started making jewelry in 2007, it was a combination of art, therapy and wanting to learn how to create a small business. Over time, I realized that I could blend all three into one and I started my Spinnerette line of jewelry. Each piece in the collection is designed for form and function as fidget jewelry, whether it be a ring, pair of earrings, or a pendant. Mental health affects so many of us and to be able to create pieces that are not only beautiful but also functional is a joy. I have had so many clients provide me the feedback that their jewelry has helped them with their anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and/or need to fidget in order to keep focus – and that gives me the inspiration to keep on making.

Cylene, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a small handmade jewelry artist and art therapist, currently living and working just outside Toronto, Ontario, Canada. My background is in Visual Arts and Psychology, which I have used to build a ‘grown up’ career in community-based Mental Health and Addictions. This unique blend has given me perspective on the importance of creativity on mental health and in 2007 I started creating beaded jewelry. This quickly grew into a love for metalsmithing and designing pieces in sterling silver and gold-fill. Through the creative process, and my day job in Mental Health, I started my “Spinnerette” line of jewelry, which focuses on form and function – providing jewelry that do double duty as adornment and fidget pieces. So many people have mental health issues and being able to provide my customers with a beautiful way to deal with possible symptoms is inspiring to me. Mental health is just as important as physical health and for those who live with anxiety, ADHD, learning disorders and/or depression need to have tools at the ready to cope. It is truly an honor to be able to work with someone to design a piece that they can wear every day to help them maintain their mental health and keep them at their best. I am so proud to be able to bring these pieces into the world to make it a better place! I am also so proud to have had several pieces of my jewelry on TV – I have had rings worn by Lisa Edelstein on Bravo TV’s “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce”, necklaces on “Law & Order – SVU” and earrings on TNT’s “Rizzoli & Isles”.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

It is so important to support your fellow small business owners and artists. In a world that is already so competitive, to have a warm, supportive community around you – even virtually! – can help you find your niche. I am lucky to have a group of like-minded female artists in my corner who encourage, share resources and strategies and are just there if you need an open ear and a shoulder to cry on. Society can support us creatives by spreading the love, sharing links and giving artists opportunities to speak about their journeys.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Something like cancer really does make you re-evaluate things as well as face challenges you never thought you would have to. Not being able to work my day job, not being able to feel at home in my own body, not being able to be the wife, mother or daughter that I was, really brought to the surface all of the self-doubt and self-criticism that was inside of me. But I always knew, somehow, that I was going to make it through the treatment and come out better for it. I always think about what I have already overcome when I feel creatively blocked, or frustrated with the process – and that there is always a way through.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thelovelysmith.etsy.com
• Instagram: @thelovelysmith
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Black and White photo – Karina Karnoski