We recently connected with Cynthia Hernandez and have shared our conversation below.

Cynthia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on recently was the Arte para el Alma women’s retreat, which I organized earlier this month. This event was born out of my deep belief in the healing power of art and the need for spaces where women can come together, connect, and heal through creative expression.

The retreat brought together 11 participants in an intimate setting, creating a safe and nurturing space for exploration and growth. It featured three healing art sessions, each led by incredible facilitators: Cynthia Hernandez from Bio Projects, Tricia Loya from Our Write Life, and Dr. Maria Gabriela Martinez from Galeria Metafora. Dr. Martinez’s session was especially powerful, as she not only guided attendees through interpreting their artwork and journal entries but also gave an insightful talk on art therapy and its role in mental and emotional healing.

What made this project so meaningful was witnessing the transformations that happened in that room. The participants shared personal stories, expressed emotions through their art, and left with a renewed sense of connection and empowerment. It was profoundly rewarding to see how art became a tool for healing and self-discovery.

This retreat reaffirmed my commitment to creating spaces where people feel supported, valued, and inspired. Every detail—from the curated sessions to the shared meals—was intentionally designed to foster reflection and community. It’s projects like these that truly fuel my passion, combining my love for art with a desire to make a positive impact in others’ lives.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an architect by training, holding a bachelor’s degree in architecture, and an art therapy facilitator with a certificate from Instituto Galería Metáfora under Dr. Gabriela Martínez in Tijuana, Mexico. My journey into the art world has been deeply shaped by my belief in the transformative and healing power of creativity.

Over the years, I’ve merged my architectural background with my passion for art and healing. One of my most cherished accomplishments is painting six murals at the Hospital Infantil de las Californias in Tijuana, a project that brought color and joy to a space where children and families face challenging moments. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of teaching art to over 100 kids this past year at the Veteran’s Park Rec Center in Chula Vista, CA. These experiences have reinforced my purpose: to promote art as a healing tool in a world where stress often begins at an early age.

Through my work, I aim to provide people of all ages with a fun and creative way to express themselves, discover their emotions, and process them through the act of creation. I’ve used art therapy in my own life to find my voice as an art facilitator, and currently, it’s an essential part of my personal healing journey as I navigate breast cancer. Each Saturday, I dedicate time to painting as a way to stay connected with my emotions during this uncertain process.

Recognizing the power of shared experiences, I’ve opened my personal art therapy sessions to anyone who is grieving or navigating their own challenges. Through a free online Zoom group, we create together, using art as a means of processing and healing. All participants need to do is send me a message on Instagram expressing their interest, and I’ll provide them with the Zoom link.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to art, combining my architectural perspective, my deep appreciation for art therapy, and my personal experiences to create spaces and opportunities for connection and healing. I am proud to be part of a growing movement that sees art not just as an aesthetic practice but as a vital tool for emotional well-being. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to explore their creativity and discover the profound healing power it holds.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One of the things I’ve noticed is that many people, especially those who don’t consider themselves “creative,” struggle to understand what healing art truly is and how it can benefit them. Some assume that they need prior experience with art to explore it as a healing tool, while others might think they have nothing to heal. But the truth is, life is inherently challenging. It’s full of ups and downs, and that’s okay—it’s an essential part of growing.

However, there are times when we feel stuck, like we’re repeating the same stories without making progress, or we experience feelings of sadness, loss, or even depression that seem to have no clear reason. That’s where art comes in. Art is for anyone who has feelings, who has lived life. It’s not about creating a masterpiece or having formal training—it’s about using lines, shapes, forms, and colors to tap into what’s inside of us.

In just one session, the process of creating art can help us uncover emotions we may not even realize we’re carrying and give us a way to express and release them. It allows us to start a healing process that feels natural and personal.

Healing art isn’t about perfection or technique—it’s about connection. It’s a space where you can explore your inner world without judgment or expectation. Whether it’s through painting, drawing, or even just making marks on paper, art has the power to help us process life’s challenges in ways words often can’t. It’s a gift we can all access, regardless of our background or experience.

For anyone curious, I encourage you to try. You don’t need to consider yourself creative, and you don’t need to have it “all figured out.” You just need to show up with an open heart and let the art guide you.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience is a word I’ve come to truly understand through my current journey with breast cancer. Receiving the diagnosis of stage zero breast cancer was a moment that shook my world. It’s the kind of news no one expects or prepares for, and it brought with it a wave of fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability. This journey has been especially challenging because I’ve decided to undergo a double mastectomy in January—a decision that has been incredibly hard for me to process. It’s not just a medical procedure; it’s a deeply emotional one, touching the core of my identity and sense of self.

In the face of these emotions, I’ve leaned into the tools I’ve cultivated over the years—particularly healing art—and discovered new depths of resilience within myself. Each Saturday, I dedicate time to painting, and this practice has become my anchor. Through lines, colors, and shapes, I’ve been able to process feelings that are often too big or too complex to put into words. It’s not about creating something beautiful; it’s about creating something honest. Art has given me a space to face my fears and uncertainties head-on, and in doing so, I’ve found a sense of clarity and peace amidst the turmoil.

This experience has also deepened my commitment to share the power of healing art with others. I’ve opened my personal art therapy sessions to anyone facing their own challenges or grief through a free online Zoom group. Together, we create, share, and heal, and it’s been profoundly moving to see how this space not only helps others but also reinforces my own resilience.

Resilience, I’ve learned, isn’t about being unshaken by life’s challenges—it’s about finding ways to keep moving forward, even when the ground feels unsteady. For me, art has been that forward motion, a way to reclaim my narrative and transform uncertainty into growth.

As I prepare for the double mastectomy, I know it will be one of the hardest parts of this journey. But I also know that I’m not facing it alone. I have my art, my community, and my inner strength to guide me. Each brushstroke has been a step toward acceptance and healing, reminding me that even in our most difficult moments, we have the power to create something meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bioprojects.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bio.projects.art.classes/#
• Facebook: Bio.projects.artclasses
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ cynthia-hernandez-755207a0